Albet i Noya Icones Negre 2024

Icones Negre comes from Albet i Noya, who pioneered organic viticulture in Catalonia's Penedès and farm the estate without synthetic chemicals. The blend draws Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Garnacha Tinta from vines aged between twenty and thirty-five years, old enough to give concentration while keeping the fresh, direct character the wine is built for. Penedès sits inland from the Mediterranean, its vineyards tempered by altitude and sea breezes that hold acidity and slow ripening, so the fruit comes in bright rather than jammy. This is a young wine made for early drinking: it is lightly clarified, cold stabilised and gently filtered before bottling, with no oak ageing, so the emphasis stays on primary fruit and freshness. The wine is also vegan, the fining done without animal products. The colour is a bright violet-tinged red. The nose is open and fruity, with raspberry, red cherry and a little plum over fresh herbs. The palate is light to medium, supple and juicy, with soft tannins, a peppery edge and a clean finish. Serve lightly chilled at 14 to 16 degrees. It is happy with charcuterie, roast chicken, grilled pork and tomato-based pasta.