Christian Barbier Deunidó 2023

Christian Barbier grew up among the vineyards of his father René Barbier, and knows the licorella schist soils of Priorat and neighbouring Montsant intimately. Deunidó is his personal Garnacha, farmed biodynamically and made as a natural wine with minimal intervention. The schist and slate soils of Montsant drain freely and force the vines to root deep, which concentrates flavour while the elevation and cool nights hold acidity in place. At 12.5 percent this is a restrained reading of Garnacha, picked earlier than the regional norm to keep the fruit fresh rather than jammy. Made without oak ageing, it shows the grape and the soil directly, with the texture coming from gentle handling and native-yeast fermentation rather than wood. The colour is bright and translucent. The nose leads with red berries, cherry and rose, lifted by thyme and a stony, earthy note. The palate is light to medium, with soft tannins, juicy acidity and a savoury, herbal finish. Serve at 14 to 16 degrees, with a brief chill to sharpen the fruit. It pairs well with roast chicken, charcuterie and mushroom dishes.