Les Paradetes 2022

Les Paradetes is a natural red from D.O. Conca de Barberà, made by Escoda-Sanahuja near Montblanc in Tarragona. The estate moved from organic to biodynamic farming in 2003 and has made wine without added sulphites since 2007, working as a natural wine producer. The blend is Samsó, the Catalan name for Cariñena, with Garnacha Tinta. Conca de Barberà is a cooler, higher inland appellation than the Catalan coast, and that relative freshness shows in the wine, which stays light and bright at 13% alcohol. Low-intervention winemaking with minimal sulphur keeps the focus on fresh fruit and the vineyard, giving a wine of immediacy rather than weight. The colour is bright cherry red, often a little cloudy in the natural style. The nose shows fresh red berries, cherry and red currant, with a herbal, peppery lift and an earthy, savoury undertone. The palate is light and juicy with soft tannin, bright acidity and a fresh, savoury finish. Serve lightly chilled at 14 to 15 degrees in a standard glass. It is flexible at the table and can stand in for a white.