La Salada El Pagès Content Tinto 2023

La Salada El Pagès Content Tinto is a natural red from Penedès in Catalonia, made by Toni Carbó from the rare local Sumoll grape. After years promoting native varieties with minimal intervention alongside Ramon Jané at Mas Candí, Carbó took over the family vineyard and farms it biodynamically with his wife, the vines never having seen a plough or chemicals. Sumoll is a high acid, lightly coloured variety once common in the region and now scarce, suited to the warm Mediterranean climate of Penedès where coastal influence tempers the heat. The wine is fermented and aged twelve months in clay amphorae, an inert vessel that allows gentle micro oxygenation through the porous walls while adding no oak flavour, so the fruit and the chalky, herbal character of the site come through unmasked. The wine is certified organic and vegan and made with native yeasts. The colour is a bright, light ruby. The nose is fresh and lifted, all wild strawberry, red currant and cherry over dried thyme and a faintly saline, earthy undertow, and the palate is light bodied and brisk, with crunchy red fruit and a savoury, briny close. Serve cool, around 14 to 15 degrees. It is an easygoing red for casual food.