Clos Figueres 2023

Clos Figueres is a leading red from the D.O.Q. Priorat in Catalonia, built mainly on Garnacha and Cariñena from old vines over eighty years of age, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Monastrell in support. Priorat owes its character to llicorella, a slate and quartz soil that forces vines to root deep for water and yields tiny crops of intensely concentrated fruit. The climate is hot and dry, with steep terraces and cold nights that preserve acidity, and the ancient vines give natural depth and structure. The harvest is manual, and the grapes ferment in open French oak barrels of 300 and 500 litres, macerating on their skins to draw out colour, tannin and the wine's mineral grip. It is then aged for thirteen months in new and twice used French oak, where slow oxygen exchange rounds the firm tannins and adds restrained spice. Expect a deep, dark red, a nose of dark plum, cherry and liquorice over earthy, stony minerality, and a powerful, structured palate with firm tannin and a long, savoury finish. The producer suggests decanting two to three hours ahead. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees with red meat and game.