La Coma d’en Romeu 2023

La Coma d'en Romeu is made by Família Nin-Ortiz, the partnership of Ester Nin and Carles Ortiz, in Porrera within the D.O.Q. Priorat. Nin took over the technical management of Clos Erasmus in 2004 while starting her own wines, and her work centres on the steep slate hillsides of Priorat and biodynamic farming. This single variety Garnacha grows on llicorella, the region's fractured slate, which forces the vines deep for water and lends the wine its graphite minerality and intensity. The steep terraces and poor soils keep yields very low, while warm days and cooler nights at altitude ripen the Garnacha fully yet hold the acidity that balances the 14.5 per cent alcohol. The wine ages 16 months in used French oak, chosen so the barrel adds slow oxygen exchange and softens the tannins without imposing new wood flavour, letting the slate character lead. The colour is deep ruby. The nose shows ripe red and dark fruit over smoke, fresh earth, thyme and a peppery lift. The palate is concentrated and firmly structured, with dense, savoury tannins, vivid freshness and a long, stony finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees and decant ahead. Built for roast and grilled meats.