Viñas Serranas, Castilla y León (Spain) Rufete “Ciclón” 2021 ($18, Polaner Selections)

This wine hails from western Spain, near the Sierra de Salamanca, a humid, rugged wine region in the southern tip of Castilla y Léon. It is crafted from the local Rufete grape—a rare, late-ripening variety found in Castilla y León and northern Portugal. Typically used in blends, Rufete shines here in a fresh, light style that’s perfect for easy drinking. The 2021 “Ciclón” offers vibrant flavors of dried herbs and ripe raspberries, balanced by moderate tannins and bright acidity. For those looking for lighter, fresher, and lower-alcohol wines, this is sure to hit the mark.
92 Miranda Franco