L’Abrunet de Frisach Negre 2024

Celler Frisach was founded in 2009 by brothers Joan and Francesc Ferré in Corbera d'Ebre, in the Terra Alta region of southern Catalonia, with the aim of expressing local varieties and the surrounding landscape. They farm 40 hectares of their own vineyards organically, mainly Garnacha in its white and red forms together with Cariñena. L'Abrunet Negre is their entry red, a young blend of red Garnacha and Cariñena made for early drinking. Terra Alta is a high, inland region with a Mediterranean climate tempered by the Cierzo wind, which keeps the vineyards dry and healthy and helps preserve freshness and the herbal, garrigue character of the wines. The poor limestone and clay soils keep yields moderate. This bottling is vinified to keep the fruit primary, with no oak ageing, so the wine stays bright, juicy and unencumbered by wood, and is certified natural, organic and vegan. The colour is bright violet-ruby. The nose shows fresh red cherry, plum and red berries with a herbal, peppery lift, and the palate is light to medium bodied at 13.5 percent, juicy and fresh, with soft tannins and a savoury finish. Serve at 14 to 16 degrees, lightly chilled. It works with grilled pork, roast chicken and tomato-based dishes.