Cims de Porrera Clàssic 2016

Cims de Porrera works the village of Porrera in D.O.Q. Priorat, and this Clàssic bottling is made entirely from Cariñena, the variety that thrives on the appellation's old terraces. The fruit comes from vineyards between 40 and 100 years old planted at 350 to 500 metres, where the altitude widens the day-to-night temperature swing and slows ripening to preserve acidity and aromatic detail. Old, low-yielding Cariñena vines give concentration and firm natural tannin, while Priorat's llicorella slate soils force deep rooting and lend the graphite minerality typical of the region. Ageing for sixteen months in French oak softens the tannin and adds structure through slow oxygen exchange. The colour is deep and dark-cored. The nose shows dark cherry and plum over black pepper, liquorice and an earthy, stony note. The palate is full and structured, with bright Cariñena acidity, grainy tannins and a long mineral finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees and decant an hour ahead. It suits grilled red meat, mushroom dishes and aged cheese.