Clos Ancestral Negre 2022

Familia Torres is one of Spain's best known wine families, and Clos Ancestral Negre is part of its long-running work to recover ancestral Catalan grape varieties. Made in D.O. Penedès, in Catalonia, it blends Garnacha and Tempranillo with Moneu, a near-forgotten local variety brought back from the brink. The Penedès sits between the Mediterranean coast and the inland hills, and vineyards at altitude benefit from cooler nights that lengthen the growing season and keep the fruit fresh. Farming is organic, working the soils without synthetic inputs to encourage vine balance and a clear sense of place. The wine is matured for ten months in separate containers by variety before blending, a measured ageing that settles the tannins and adds gentle structure while keeping the fruit and herbal character to the fore. The colour is bright, deep red. The nose shows red and dark berries over Mediterranean dried herbs, a touch of pepper and a savoury, earthy note. The palate is medium bodied, with juicy fruit, fine tannin and a fresh, savoury finish. Serve at 16 degrees. It pairs well with grilled lamb, roast pork and roasted vegetables.