Amfitrió de l’Empordà 2023

Perelada makes Amfitrió de l'Empordà in D.O. Empordà, the Catalan appellation tucked between the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean in north-east Spain. The Tramontana wind that sweeps these slopes keeps the vines healthy and concentrates the fruit, while the warm coastal climate ripens this five-grape blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha, Merlot, Samsó and Syrah to 15% alcohol. Each variety is fermented and aged apart, spending fourteen months in oak before blending, so the cellar can balance Cabernet structure against Garnacha warmth and Syrah spice. Time in barrel softens the tannins through slow oxygen exchange and folds in vanilla and toast. The wine is medium ruby, with a nose of wild strawberry and cherry over black pepper and dried thyme. The palate is full and structured, with ripe red and dark berry fruit, a savoury herbal edge and grippy but rounded tannins that carry into a long finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanting an hour ahead to open the fruit. It suits grilled and roasted red meats and hard Spanish cheeses.