Cirerets 2021

Cirerets is a Priorat red from Bodegas Mas Alta in La Vilella Alta, blending two of the region's great indigenous varieties, Garnacha and Cariñena. The grapes come from vines around fifty years old, planted between 450 and 650 metres on llicorella, the broken slate soil that defines Priorat. Llicorella drains hard and forces the roots deep in search of water, which keeps yields very low and drives the dark fruit and stony minerality typical of the appellation. The altitude brings cooler nights and a wide diurnal range that protects acidity and freshness in a warm, sunny region. After fermentation the wine is aged eighteen months in French oak from Allier, where slow oxygen exchange softens the tannins and adds a frame of spice, cocoa and toast around the fruit. The colour is deep and dark. The nose carries black cherry, plum and blackberry with liquorice, black pepper, graphite and oak spice. The palate is full bodied and firmly structured, with substantial ripe tannins, good acidity and a long mineral finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees, decanted ahead. It suits grilled and roast red meats and game.