Cal Pla Negre 2022

Celler Cal Pla is a small family estate in Porrera, in the Priorat, with a winemaking history reaching back to 1814. Cal Pla Negre is made from Garnacha and Cariñena, with a little Cabernet Sauvignon, grown on terraced vineyards at around 450 metres on the licorella, the distinctive slate of Priorat. This broken, low fertility schist forces the vines to root deeply for water, giving low yields, concentrated fruit and the firm minerality that defines the region. The north west facing terraces help temper the heat and hold freshness in the fruit. The wine is aged for twelve months in French and American oak, where slow oxygen exchange softens the considerable tannins and frames the dark fruit with spice. The colour is deep, dense ruby. The nose shows ripe plum, black cherry, pepper, liquorice and a smoky, stony note from the slate. The palate is full bodied and structured, with firm tannins, dark fruit and a long, mineral finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees and decant an hour ahead. It is built for roast and grilled red meats and game.