Josep Grau Pedrabona 2024

Josep Grau came to winemaking later in life, leaving a career in finance, and now works in the D.O.Q. Priorat, one of Spain's most distinctive red regions. Pedrabona blends Cariñena and Garnacha, the two traditional Priorat varieties, grown on the area's poor slate soils. The fractured slate, known locally as llicorella, drives the roots deep for water and minerals, giving low yields of concentrated fruit and the stony, mineral signature that defines the region, while the warm Mediterranean climate and altitude ripen the grapes fully and keep the wine fresh. After fermentation the wine ages for ten months in oak barrels, a measured time that lets slow oxygen exchange round the tannins and add a light spice and toast while keeping the fruit and minerality to the fore. It is deep and dark in the glass, with ripe dark berry and red cherry on the nose lifted by dried herbs, liquorice and a stony mineral note. The palate is full bodied and firmly structured, with ripe tannins, a stony freshness and a long savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanting an hour ahead, with grilled red meat or game.