Geol 2021

Geol is a red from D.O. Costers del Segre, made by Tomàs Cusiné in inland Catalonia from a blend of Cariñena, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot drawn from several estate plots. This is a high, continental corner of Catalonia with cold winters and hot, dry summers, where altitude and a wide diurnal range slow ripening and hold acidity in the fruit. The grapes are sorted on a selection table, then fermented at a controlled 24 to 26 degrees to fix colour and aromatics. The wine ages 14 months in new French oak, where ageing on the lees adds texture through released mannoproteins while the new barrels bring vanilla, sweet spice and firm, fine tannin through slow oxygen exchange. The colour is deep and dark. The nose shows blackberry and plum over red berries, black pepper, liquorice and cocoa from the oak. At 14.5 percent the palate is full and structured, with firm tannin, fresh acidity and a long finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees, and decant an hour or two ahead. A wine for grilled and roast meats.