Heretat Mont Rubí Gaintus Vertical 2018

Gaintus Vertical comes from Heretat Mont Rubí in Font-Rubí, in the northern, higher reaches of the D.O. Penedès above 500 metres. In 2000 the estate began restoring Sumoll, an old and once widespread Catalan variety that had been disappearing because it is delicate and hard to grow, and Gaintus was the first single variety Sumoll wine in the world. The altitude brings cool nights and a wide diurnal range that ripens this late, sensitive grape slowly while preserving its high natural acidity and aromatic lift, which keeps the wine fresh at 13.5 per cent alcohol. Farming is sustainable and respectful of the land. The wine ages 12 months in French oak followed by 24 months in bottle, the wood softening Sumoll's firm tannins through slow oxygen exchange while the long bottle ageing rounds the wine and adds savoury complexity before release. The colour is a bright medium red. The nose shows red berries and cherry over dried herbs, fresh earth and a leathery, faintly smoky edge. The palate is fresh and savoury, with grippy tannins, marked acidity and a long, earthy finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees, decanted. A fine match for grilled meats.