Foresta Sumoll 2022

Vins de Foresta is a small organic project run by Lluís Carsí and Gerard Maristany in the Massís del Garraf, the coastal massif between the Mediterranean and the Alt Penedès in Catalonia. This wine is made from Sumoll, a nearly forgotten Catalan native grape known for its high acidity, light colour and firm structure. The sea-facing hillsides and limestone soils, combined with cooling Mediterranean breezes, give a long ripening season that keeps the natural acidity bright and the alcohol modest at 12.5 percent. The farming is organic, and the wine ages eight months in barrel, a short pass that rounds the edges and adds a little spice without burying the grape's sharp, savoury fruit. The colour is a light, translucent red. The nose shows tart red currant, cherry and red berries with dried herbs, black pepper and an earthy, mineral note. The palate is light and tensile, with fresh acidity, fine grippy tannins and a savoury, herb-tinged finish. This is a bright, distinctive native red built for the table. Serve lightly cool at 15 to 16 degrees, with a short decant. It suits roast poultry, pork and oily fish.