Cabrida 2023

Cabrida is a single-variety Garnacha from D.O. Montsant, made by the cooperative Celler de Capçanes in southern Catalonia. Garnacha thrives on the warm, stony hillsides around Capçanes, where licorella slate and granite soils drain freely and force the roots deep, giving low yields of small, ripe berries. The hot Mediterranean climate pushes ripeness and alcohol to around 15 percent, while cool nights keep the aromatics fresh. The wine spends twelve months in French oak, where slow oxygen exchange softens the naturally supple Garnacha tannins and adds vanilla, smoke and spice without dominating the fruit. The colour is deep ruby. The nose shows ripe red berries and plum, black pepper, liquorice and a smoky, mineral edge from the slate. The palate is full bodied and warming, generous in fruit with ripe, rounded tannin and a long, savoury finish. This is a serious expression of old-region Garnacha. Serve at 17 degrees, decanted if young. It pairs with grilled lamb, roast beef and game.