El Veïnat 2023

El Veinat is a varietal Garnacha from Vinedos Singulares, a group that makes wines from distinct vineyards across several Spanish denominations. This one comes from Montsant, the appellation that rings Priorat in Catalonia, from vines planted in the 1990s on calcareous soils with a high clay content at around 200 metres above sea level. The clay holds moisture through Montsant's warm, dry summers while the limestone lends freshness and a savoury edge, both of which keep this Garnacha balanced rather than overripe. The grapes are hand-harvested and sorted, then destemmed before fermentation. Ageing is restrained, six months in 500-litre French oak barrels, a larger format whose lower wood-to-wine ratio adds gentle oxygen exchange and texture without strong oak flavour, letting the fruit and site come through. The colour is a bright mid ruby. The nose shows raspberry, cherry and red plum with pepper, dried herbs and a stony, earthy note. The palate is medium bodied with supple tannin and fresh acidity, finishing savoury and lightly spiced. Serve at 16 degrees. Good with lamb, pork and roast vegetables.