Font de la Figuera 2022

Font de la Figuera comes from Clos Figueras in D.O.Q. Priorat, one of only two appellations in Spain to hold the highest quality classification. It blends Garnacha and Cariñena, the traditional Priorat pair, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Monastrell. The defining factor is the soil: Priorat's steep terraces sit on licorella, a black slate that forces vine roots deep in search of water, severely limiting yields and giving wines their mineral grip and concentration. The warm Mediterranean climate, tempered by altitude and cool nights, ripens the fruit fully to fifteen per cent. The grapes are hand harvested, sorted and given a gentle fermentation in 25-hectolitre vats with daily cap punching, followed by a two-week maceration to draw out colour and structured tannin. The wine then ages twelve months in second-year 500-litre French oak barrels, the larger format and used wood adding subtle spice while letting the fruit and slate show through, before a light filtration. The colour is deep and bright. The nose offers ripe cherry and red berry with balsamic herbs and a stony lift. The palate is full bodied and structured, with firm tannins, fresh acidity and a long, mineral finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees and decant. It can also cellar for around a decade.