DIT Celler Selenita 2024

DIT Celler farm in the D.O. Montsant, the mountainous Catalan appellation that surrounds Priorat and shares its Mediterranean climate. Selenita is a varietal Garnacha Tinta from organically farmed vines, Garnacha being the grape best suited to the heat and the poor soils here. Montsant's slate, limestone and sandy clay drain freely and yield small crops of ripe, concentrated fruit, while cool night winds off the hills preserve acidity and aromatic freshness at a warm 14 percent. The wine ages twelve months in oak barrels, a shorter time that keeps the bright fruit to the fore while a slow exchange of oxygen rounds the tannins. The colour is deep cherry red, the nose led by ripe red berries and plum with a peppery, herbal lift and a stony, mineral edge. The palate is full bodied and fruit driven, with ripe, rounded tannin, fresh acidity and a long, warming finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees after a short decant in a large glass. It pairs with grilled meats, roast lamb and earthy mushroom dishes.