LaFou El Sender 2022

LaFou El Sender comes from Terra Alta in southern Catalonia, a warm, dry inland appellation, and blends Garnacha Tinta with Syrah and the rare indigenous Morenillo. The grapes are picked by hand into small 250 kilo crates, then cooled in cold storage to around 5 degrees before destemming, a step that protects the fruit and preserves aromatic freshness before fermentation. Each plot is vinified separately in tank at a controlled 26 degrees, with maceration of six to ten days to draw colour, tannin and flavour from the skins without over extraction. Garnacha gives the wine its bright red fruit and warmth, Syrah adds black fruit and pepper, and Morenillo brings freshness and a herbal lift typical of the region. The short six month ageing in used French oak rounds the texture while keeping the fruit forward. The colour is bright cherry red. The nose shows ripe strawberry and blueberry over dried herbs and a peppery edge. The palate is medium to full, supple and fruit driven, with soft tannins and a savoury, herb tinged finish. Serve at 16 degrees with grilled and roasted dishes.