Description
Varieties
Carignan (90%), Grenache (10%)
Terroir
The specially selected Carignan grapes are from 41 year old vines at Mas de Cabrera and La Cendrosa near Gandesa, Terra Alta. The Grenache (Garnatxa Negre) is from 30 year old vines at Mas de Cabrera.
Production
Both grape varieties were hand picked separately before undergo- ing a 5 day cold soak. Individual fermentations followed at up to 26°C in stainless steel, with regular punchdowns. Malolactic fermentation and 12 months maturation was carried out in 300 litre French oak barrels (40% of which were new).. It is bottled unfiltered.
Analysis
– Alcohol content: 14.5%
– Total acidity: 5.4 g/l (as tartaric)
– Volatile acidity: 0.7 g/l
– Residual sugar: 1.0 g/l
– Total SO2: 87mg/l
Tasting Notes
On the nose, ripe fig and dark fruits dominate with a touch of cedar. The palate is round and full, with smooth tannins and ripe, fruit. It shows great concentration, leading to a sustained finish showing graphite and subtle spice.
Food Pairing
As well as the traditional ‘steak frites’, roasts and BBQ meats, it also pairs well with hearty casseroles, mushroom dishes, and strong cheeses.
Serving Suggestions
The wine is ideally served at 18-20°C. It is ready to drink now but if laid down should evolve wonderfully over the next 5-10 years. It will benefit from decanting shortly before serving, particularly as it ages.
peter rose (verified owner) –
brilliant wine with a huge length – a match for many priorats at twice the price
Choosy Drinker –
Really nice with good intensity but not too heavy. I’ve never really been a fan of carignan but this may have me changing my mind.
Alice Campbell (verified owner) –
Fantastic length and just the right amount of oak, juicy dark fruits. Can only get better with some more age so I’ll be keeping my second bottle for a while.