Cims de Porrera Vi de Vila 2021

Cims de Porrera Vi de Vila is a red from D.O.Q. Priorat in Catalonia, made at the facilities of the agricultural cooperative in the small town of Porrera, set up to pay the growers a fair price for their grapes. It is a blend of Carignan and Grenache from various plots farmed by the cooperative's members, planted on Priorat's distinctive llicorella, the broken slate soil that forces vine roots deep and lends these wines their characteristic mineral, smoky grip. The climate is hot and dry, moderated by altitude and the surrounding hills, and the poor, stony soils keep yields low and the fruit concentrated. The wine ages 12 months in French oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange knits the tannin together and adds a measured frame of spice and toast. The colour is deep ruby. The nose shows dark and red berry fruit, plum, pepper and liquorice, with a smoky, mineral note that runs through to the palate. The palate is full and structured, with firm but ripe tannin, good acidity and a long, savoury, stony finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanted ahead. It suits roast lamb, grilled beef and hard cheeses.