Dits del Terra 2022

Dits del Terra is a single varietal Cariñena from Terroir al Límit in the D.O.Q. Priorat, drawn from a vineyard of under two hectares of vines around sixty years old. The plot sits between 300 and 500 metres on the slate licorella soils that define the appellation. This decomposed slate drains hard and forces roots deep, restricting vigour and concentrating the old vine fruit, while the altitude and the wide day to night temperature swing slow ripening and hold acidity. Terroir al Límit works with minimal intervention, fermenting and ageing the wine in cement rather than oak so that the vessel adds no flavour and lets the grape and the site speak. The eight months in concrete soften the structure through gentle micro oxygenation without lending wood character. The colour is a deep ruby. The nose shows dark berries, plum and dried thyme over a smoky, mineral base. The palate is firm and savoury, with red and black fruit, liquorice, fine grippy tannins and a stony, mineral finish that reflects the licorella. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanting an hour ahead. It suits roast lamb, grilled beef and earthy mushroom dishes.