Clos de Torribas Reserva 2018

Bodegues Pinord makes this Tempranillo Reserva in Vilafranca del Penedes, a Catalan winery with more than 150 years of family history. Penedes sits inland from the Mediterranean coast, where warm days and cooler nights off the Garraf hills give Tempranillo ripe fruit while holding its acidity. The wine spends ten months in oak barrels, a measured ageing that softens the tannins through slow oxygen exchange across the staves and folds in gentle spice without masking the grape. Malolactic fermentation converts the sharper malic acid into rounder lactic acid, adding to the supple texture. The colour is deep ruby with a garnet edge. The nose shows red and dark cherry, plum and dried herbs, with vanilla and a little leather from the barrel. The palate is medium bodied and savoury, the fruit framed by fine tannin and a firm acid line that keeps it fresh. The finish carries earth and warm spice. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanting briefly if young. It suits roast and grilled meats, especially lamb and beef, and hard Spanish cheeses.