Tiawi Tiawi Wild Cupreata

Verdict

Tiawi Tiawi's cupreata sits in the category's sweet spot – rustic enough to taste of the hills, polished enough that you don't feel like you're doing homework. Vicario's work has the signature Guerrero iron note that separates cupreata from anything Oaxaca can offer. Between this and Bozal's Guerrero pechuga, the state is finally getting a proper shelf.

Tasting notes

Nose: Warm stone with wet leaves, a distant campfire

Palate: Aromatic and medium-dense, with the cupreata's characteristic floral-meets-mineral pull and Rosalino Lopez Vicario's hand keeping the smoke honest

Finish: Dry, wet slate – long

The bottom line

A credible case for Guerrero as a state, not just a footnote