La Carenyeta de Cal Pla 2018

La Carenyeta de Cal Pla is a red from D.O.Q. Priorat, made by Celler Cal Pla, a small family winery that has produced wine since 1814 and is now run by the seventh generation. It is a single-variety Cariñena, Carignan, from old vines. Priorat's defining feature is its soil, the steep terraces of llicorella, a dark slate that forces the roots deep in search of water and gives the wines their mineral, smoky signature. The hot, dry climate and stony slopes yield tiny crops of small, concentrated berries, while old Cariñena vines contribute firm acidity, deep colour and substantial tannin. The wine is aged for fourteen months in French oak barrels, which settles the variety's natural grip and adds cedar and a measured layer of spice. It is deep, dark ruby. The nose shows red berries, plum and black cherry with black pepper, liquorice and a pronounced stony, smoky minerality. The palate is full-bodied and firmly structured, with bright acidity and grippy but ripe tannins carried by a long, mineral, savoury finish. Serve at 17 degrees and decant a young bottle. It suits grilled lamb and robust dishes.