Coma Vella 2020

Coma Vella is a Priorat red from Mas d'en Gil, in the D.O.Q. Priorat in Catalonia. It is a blend of Garnacha Peluda, Carignan, Garnacha Tinta and Syrah, the classic mix of this region. Priorat is defined by its llicorella, a soil of broken slate and quartz that drains hard and forces the vines to root deep for water, cropping low and concentrating the fruit. Hot days and cool nights extend ripening, building both ripeness and acidity. The wine spends twelve months in French oak, where slow oxygen exchange firms the structure and adds spice, then a further two years in bottle, which allows the tannins to settle and the aromas to knit together before release. It is deep and concentrated, with dark plum and red berry fruit, dried herbs, liquorice and black pepper over a stony, mineral base from the slate. The palate is full and structured, with firm tannins and a long, savoury finish. It drinks well now but will gain complexity with further age. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees, decanting an hour ahead. It suits roast and grilled red meat.