Josep Grau La Florens 2023

Josep Grau left a career as a broker to make wine in Marçà, on the edge of Priorat, and now farms 26 hectares of organic, pesticide free vineyards in D.O. Montsant. La Florens is a single variety Garnacha Tinta from these diverse soils, which range across slate, clay and sand and give the wine its mineral grip. Montsant has a warm Mediterranean climate tempered by altitude and cooling influence from the surrounding hills, which preserves the freshness of the Garnacha. Rather than oak, the wine is raised for around 14 months in cement tanks, a neutral vessel that adds no wood flavour and allows a slow, gentle micro oxygenation while keeping the bright, primary fruit and floral character intact. The colour is a vivid cherry red. The nose is youthful and lively, with fresh raspberry and cherry, a floral lift and a peppery, herbal edge typical of Garnacha. The palate is medium bodied, juicy and fresh, with soft tannin and a clean finish. Serve lightly cool, around 15 to 16 degrees, with grilled pork, roast chicken or tomato based dishes.