Clos De L’Ona Priorat DOQ 2021

Clos de l'Ona is a Priorat red from Joan Farreras, who works traditional vine-growing methods across Catalonia's leading appellations. It blends old-vine Garnacha with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, drawn from a seven-hectare plot of old vines in Torroja, farmed naturally. Priorat is defined by its llicorella, a slate and quartz soil that forces vine roots deep in search of water, giving very low yields and a marked mineral, almost smoky signature. The steep slopes and hot, dry climate ripen the fruit fully, pushing alcohol towards 14.5 per cent while the elevation and night cooling hold acidity. The wine ages 12 months in French oak, where measured oxygen exchange knits the firm tannins and adds cedar and a touch of sweet spice. The colour is deep and opaque. The nose leads with ripe plum and black cherry over dark chocolate, liquorice and crushed pepper, with the characteristic slatey, smoky mineral note. The palate is full and structured, dense in fruit with firm but ripe tannins and a long, mineral finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees, decanting an hour ahead, with roast beef, lamb or mushroom dishes.