La Garnatxa Fosca del Priorat 2023

La Garnatxa Fosca del Priorat is a varietal Garnacha from DOQ Priorat, part of the Garnachas de Espana project by the Vintae group. The fruit comes from vines over sixty years old on slopes and slate terraces in the mountains of El Molar, between 300 and 400 metres above sea level. Priorat's defining feature is its llicorella, a slate and quartzite soil that forces the roots deep for water and lends the wines their mineral, stony character and concentration. The steep terraces and altitude, with hot days and cool nights, ripen old vine Garnacha slowly and keep freshness in the fruit. Harvest is by hand in late September and early October, with fermentation in temperature controlled stainless steel below 28 degrees. The wine then ages ten months in French oak, which rounds the tannins and adds spice without masking the fruit. The 2023 shows a deep burgundy colour, with red berries, ripe plum and cherry over black pepper, dried herbs, fresh earth and a stony minerality. The palate is full at 14 percent, structured and fresh with firm but ripe tannins and a long mineral finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees. Good with grilled and roast meats.