Edetària Vía Edetana Carinyena 2021

Edetària works in DO Terra Alta in the inland hills of southern Catalonia, and this wine is a defence of Cariñena, the region's traditional grape, against the international varieties that crowded in during the nineties. The defining terroir is panal, the area's distinctive pale chalky-sandstone soil, which reflects light and retains moisture, helping the late-ripening Cariñena reach full maturity while keeping the wines fresh and structured. The warm, dry continental climate, moderated by the Garbí sea wind, ripens the thick-skinned grape to deep colour and firm tannin. The wine is aged twelve months in oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange softens the robust tannins and integrates a measured spice and vanilla, while the extended skin contact during fermentation builds the colour and grip that define the style. Farming is organic. It pours a deep red. The nose is intense, with black plum, dark cherry and a floral violet lift over liquorice and oak spice; the palate is full-bodied and structured, with ripe black fruit, firm, grainy tannins, fresh acidity and a long, savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanted, with grilled and roasted red meats.