Herència Altés La Xalamera 2021

La Xalamera is an organic Garnacha from Herència Altés in D.O. Terra Alta, the inland Catalan appellation founded in 2010 by Núria Altés and Rafael De Haan. Terra Alta is hot and dry, sitting on poor limestone and sandy soils with patches of panal, the area's characteristic stone, which limit yields and concentrate the fruit. The strong sunshine ripens Garnacha to high sugar levels, giving the wine its 15 percent alcohol and ripe, generous character, while the cooling Cerç wind from the north helps keep freshness and lifts the wild herb aromas of the surrounding garrigue. The wine is aged seventeen months in foudre, large oak vessels that allow gentle oxygen exchange and round the tannins without adding strong oak flavour, keeping the fruit to the fore. It is deep ruby, with ripe red berry and plum over black pepper, dried herbs and liquorice. The palate is warm and full, with ripe fruit, soft tannin and a savoury, herbal finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees. It suits grilled and roast meats.