La Llopetera 2023

La Llopetera is a natural Pinot Noir from Escoda Sanahuja in the D.O. Conca de Barberà, an inland Catalan appellation known for cooler conditions than its Mediterranean neighbours. The fruit comes from the La Llopetera vineyard at six hundred metres altitude in L'Espluga del Francolí, where the elevation brings cool nights and a wide day-to-night temperature swing that preserves acidity and protects Pinot Noir's delicate aromatics. The estate works biodynamically, fermenting on the wild yeasts present in the vineyard with little or no added sulphur, and the wine is neither fined nor filtered, so it keeps its natural texture and bright character. After fermentation it spends six months in French oak, a short ageing that rounds the tannins through gentle barrel oxidation while leaving the fruit and perfume to lead. The colour is a pale, translucent ruby. The nose is fragrant, with red cherry and raspberry over dried rose, redcurrant and an earthy, savoury note. The palate is light bodied and supple, with fine, soft tannins, fresh acidity and a clean, mineral finish. Serve lightly chilled at 14 to 16 degrees in a large glass. It suits duck, roast chicken, mushroom dishes and meatier fish such as salmon.