Clos Fontà 2018

Clos Fontà is the flagship red of Mas d'en Gil in D.O.Q. Priorat, Catalonia. It blends old-vine Garnacha Tinta and Cariñena from steep terraced slopes where only a third of the land carries vine, the rest given to olive and almond trees and Mediterranean scrub. The defining feature is the llicorella, the broken slate and quartzite that forces roots deep for water and lends Priorat reds their mineral grip and concentration. The hot dry Mediterranean climate, tempered by altitude and poor soils, yields low quantities of small thick-skinned berries. Each variety and plot is farmed and vinified separately, then blended, so the winemaker can balance Garnacha's red fruit and warmth against Cariñena's acidity and structure. The wine ages 14 months in mostly French oak, which softens the tannins through gentle oxidation and adds spice. The colour is deep ruby. The nose shows red berry, plum, dried thyme and a smoky stone character. The palate is full and firm, the tannins drawn tight by the slate, the finish long and savoury. Certified organic. Serve at 17C and decant. Pairs with grilled lamb and game.