Fredi Torres Lectores Vini Montsant 2022

Fredi Torres Lectores Vini Montsant is a red from D.O. Montsant in Catalonia, a joint project begun in 2013 to make wines from organically farmed vineyards. The blend is led by Garnacha at around 85 percent with Cariñena making up most of the rest and small amounts of Macabeo and Garnacha Blanca co-fermented in. The vines grow on limestone clay soils with a southwest exposure at 300 metres above sea level, a setting that gives good ripeness while the elevation and cool nights hold acidity and aromatic detail. Montsant wraps around the Priorat hills and shares much of that mountainous, sun-exposed character, which suits the heat-loving Garnacha. Fermentation runs in stainless steel with a late start, preserving primary fruit, and the wine then spends seven months in French oak barrels, enough to round the tannins and add a fine spice frame without burying the fruit. It pours a deep red and shows ripe raspberry and plum, cracked pepper, dried herbs and a stony, earthy base. The palate is full and warm with a savoury, mineral finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanted if young. Good with lamb, grilled red meat and mushroom dishes.