Gran Cruor Selecció Samsó 2015

Casa Gran del Siurana is based in Priorat, the Catalan appellation defined by its steep terraces of llicorella, the local slate and quartz soil. Samsó, the regional name for Cariñena, is one of Priorat's two heritage grapes, and old vines here struggle on the poor, free-draining slate, sending roots deep for water and yielding tiny, concentrated crops. The slate also reflects heat and lends the smoky, mineral character that runs through Priorat reds. Winemaker Anna Gallisà Mestre farms the fruit sustainably and ages this wine 16 months in oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange softens the firm tannins and oak spice rounds the dark fruit. The high 15 percent alcohol reflects the warm, dry climate and full ripeness. The colour is deep and opaque. The nose shows dark plum, red berry, black pepper, liquorice and a smoky, stony minerality. The palate is full and structured, with concentrated fruit, firm tannins and that slate-driven mineral grip carrying a long finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees and decant an hour or two ahead. It calls for grilled and roast red meat.