Familia Torres Perpetual 2019

Familia Torres makes Perpetual in the D.O.Q. Priorat as a tribute to the region's age-worthy reds. The blend is led by Carignan with a small share of Grenache, drawn from old vines aged between 80 and 100 years in the villages of El Lloar and Porrera. These vines are planted on the steep llicorella slopes the region is known for, a fractured slate that drives roots deep, concentrates the fruit and carries a smoky, mineral signature into the wine. The vineyards sit at altitude, where the wide day-to-night temperature swing preserves acidity and aromatic detail in a warm Mediterranean climate. The wine ages 18 months in French oak, which firms the already substantial tannin and adds spice and breadth through slow oxygen exchange. The colour is deep, near-opaque ruby. The nose carries black plum, red berries, cracked pepper and liquorice over a smoky, stony depth, and the palate is full and powerfully structured at 15 percent, with firm tannin, fresh acidity and a long mineral finish built for cellaring. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees, decanted well ahead. It suits roast lamb, grilled beef and game.