La Conreria d’Scala Dei Les Brugueres Negre 2023

La Conreria d'Scala Dei farms the slate terraces of the DOQ Priorat, and Les Brugueres Negre is a fresher, more direct expression from the estate, led by Syrah with a touch of Garnacha Blanca. The vines grow on llicorella, the broken slate and quartzite that gives Priorat its mineral signature, the poor stony soil forcing roots deep while steep terraces and hot, dry summers ripen the fruit and cool mountain nights preserve acidity. The wine is raised for ten months in a mix of stainless steel and oak barrel, the steel keeping the fruit fresh and bright while the barrel portion adds a little structure and spice through measured oxygen exchange. It is bright, deep ruby. The nose is lively, with black cherry and red berries over black pepper, dried herbs and a stony, earthy edge. The palate is medium to full bodied, the Syrah giving peppery dark fruit, the slate lending a mineral cut, and fine tannin with fresh acidity carrying a long, savoury finish. Serve at 15 to 17 degrees in a large glass. It suits grilled lamb and herb-roasted meats.