Brunus 2024

Brunus comes from Portal del Montsant in the Catalan D.O. Montsant, the appellation that rings the schist heartland of Priorat. It blends Garnacha Tinta, Cariñena and Syrah from vines between 20 and 50 years old, planted on slopes from 300 to 700 metres around Bellmunt, El Molar and Lloar. The altitude brings cool nights and a wide diurnal swing that keeps acidity firm despite the southern warmth, while the poor hillside soils restrict yields and concentrate the fruit. The harvest is done by hand into small 16kg crates to protect whole bunches. After fermentation the wine ages ten months in French and American oak, where measured oxygen exchange rounds the tannins and adds vanilla and toast alongside the fruit. The colour is deep, near-opaque purple. The nose shows ripe plum and blackberry, black pepper, liquorice and sweet oak spice. The palate is full bodied and warm at 15% alcohol, with ripe but structured tannins and a long, spiced finish. Serve at 17 to 18C, decanted, with grilled red meat, lamb or roasted root vegetables.