Finca l’Argatà 2022

Finca l'Argatà is a red from Montsant, in Catalonia, made by Joan d'Anguera, a family winery whose vines have grown here since 1820. The estate covers 31 hectares around the village of Darmós in Tarragona, farmed biodynamically, and this wine is made from Grenache. Montsant wraps around Priorat and shares much of its character, with poor, free draining soils and a warm Mediterranean climate cooled by altitude and coastal breezes, which ripens Grenache fully while keeping freshness. Old, low yielding vines concentrate the fruit, and the biodynamic farming aims to express the site cleanly. The must ferments at a controlled 27 to 29 degrees, then macerates for 30 to 35 days, a long maceration that draws colour, structure and depth of phenolics from the skins. The wine then ages 12 months in French oak, softening the tannins and adding spice. The colour is deep ruby. The nose shows ripe raspberry and plum, with garrigue herbs, pepper and a touch of liquorice. The palate is full and warm at 14 percent, the long maceration giving grip and the altitude keeping it fresh, finishing on dark fruit, earth and a stony minerality. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees. Good with roast lamb and grilled meats.