Celler Sanromà L’Estranger 2022

Celler Sanromà works in Catalonia, where four generations of growers preceded Eduard Sanromà's decision to bottle the family's own wines. L'Estranger, the foreigner, is made from Syrah, one of the international varieties planted across Spain decades ago that adapted to the local climate. Here it is picked early to keep freshness and made in a light, juicy style rather than the dark, powerful Syrah of warmer regions, finishing at just 11.5 percent. The wine is farmed organically and vinified as a natural wine, then rested two months on its lees. Time on the fine lees, the spent yeast cells left after fermentation, adds a rounder texture and subtle savoury depth as the cells slowly break down and release mannoproteins. The colour is a vivid, fresh ruby. The nose leads with raspberry and red cherry over cracked black pepper and dried herbs, the peppery character typical of cooler-grown Syrah. The palate is light and lively, with soft tannins and bright acidity carrying into a herbal finish. Serve lightly chilled at around 14 to 16 degrees Celsius. It works with grilled pork, roast chicken and meaty fish.