Els Pics 2022

Els Pics is made by Bodegas Mas Alta in La Vilella Alta, in the province of Tarragona within the D.O.Q. Priorat. It leads on Grenache and Carignan, the region's traditional pair, with smaller amounts of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon from vineyards planted on the characteristic licorella slate. That slate drains freely and holds heat, ripening the fruit fully while the low fertility keeps yields small and flavours concentrated. Fermentation runs for around two weeks with the temperature raised gradually to extract colour and tannin gently, followed by a post-fermentation maceration on the skins for further structure. Ageing is split, roughly six months in barrel and six months in cement tank, so the oak frames the wine without dominating while the inert cement preserves the primary fruit. The wine shows a vibrant cherry red. The nose is warm and ripe, with baked strawberry and plum over a clear mineral note, and the palate carries dark cherry and liquorice on a firm, savoury frame at fifteen percent. Serve at 16 to 18C, decanting young bottles. Good with grilled red meat and roasted vegetables.