Ediciones I-Limitadas Luno Tinto 2022

Luno is a red from D.O. Montsant, the Catalan appellation that rings the slate heart of Priorat, made by Ediciones I-Limitadas from a field of Cariñena, Garnacha Tinta, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. The old vines sit between 250 and 450 metres on mainly calcareous clay, a chalky soil that holds water through the dry Mediterranean summer and lends the wine its firm, mineral spine and bright acidity. Cooler nights at altitude slow ripening and preserve aromatic freshness in fruit that would otherwise bake. Picking runs from late September across nearly a month, by hand into small 16 kg crates so the bunches reach the cellar intact. Fermentation and barrel ageing soften the Cariñena tannins and knit the four varieties into a single frame, the oak feeding slow oxygen to the wine and rounding its structure. The colour is deep purple. The nose is blackberry, plum and dark cherry over black pepper, dried herbs and a graphite, stony note. The palate is full and savoury, with firm but ripe tannins and a long finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, ideally decanted an hour ahead, alongside grilled lamb or a beef stew.