Can Ràfols dels Caus Montombra Tinto 2021

Can Ràfols dels Caus Montombra Tinto comes from D.O. Penedès, where viticulturist Xavier Ribes and Carlos Esteva work the steep slopes of the Garraf massif near Barcelona. The wine blends Cariñena, which brings dusty, structured grip, with the rounder, peppery Syrah. The vineyards sit on hard calcareous limestone soils that drain freely and force the vines to root deep, lending the wine its mineral, savoury backbone, while the warm Mediterranean climate, tempered by altitude and coastal air, ripens the fruit while holding the alcohol to a measured 12.6 per cent. Ageing runs sixteen months in 500-litre French oak barrels, the larger format giving slow, gentle oxygenation that integrates the firm Cariñena tannins and adds depth without heavy wood flavour. The wine is deep ruby, with a nose of dark plum, violet and black pepper over olive, tree bark, dried herbs and a stony earthiness. The palate is structured and savoury, with firm, fine-grained tannins, dark fruit and a long, mineral finish. Serve at sixteen to eighteen degrees, decanted ahead. It suits roast and grilled red meat and earthy dishes.