Les Sorts Sycar 2023

Les Sorts Sycar is a wood-aged red from D.O. Montsant in Catalonia, made by Celler Masroig from Syrah and Samso, the local name for Carinena. Masroig, founded in 1917, is the largest winery in the denomination, working with some two hundred growers and around five hundred hectares around the village of the same name. This wine comes from vineyards in the southwest of Montsant, an appellation that wraps around Priorat and shares much of its character. The soils mix slate and limestone over a warm but altitude-tempered climate, where cool nights hold acidity and the poor soils keep yields low and the fruit concentrated. Samso brings structure, colour and a herbal savoury core, while Syrah adds dark fruit and pepper. The wine is aged thirteen months in French and American oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange resolves the firm tannins and the two oak types add spice, a creamy edge and a light toast. The colour is deep ruby. The nose shows ripe black fruit, blackberry and plum over black pepper, dried herbs, liquorice and a smoky oak note. The palate is full bodied and warming, with firm ripe tannins, fresh acidity and a long, spiced finish. Serve at 17 degrees, decanting ahead. It suits grilled red meats and stews.