Lo Cometa Tinto 2023

Lo Cometa Tinto is a Garnacha and Syrah blend from Bodegas Abanico, made in Batea within DO Terra Alta in southern Catalonia. Abanico was founded in 2006 by Rafael De Haan and Nuria Altes to develop wines with varietal character and local genuineness. Terra Alta is a high, dry inland zone where Garnacha is the traditional grape, giving ripe red and black fruit and a warm, generous body, while Syrah adds colour, pepper and structure. The farming here is respectful, working with the Mediterranean climate and the diurnal swing between warm days and cool nights that keeps the fruit fresh despite the ripeness. This is the young expression, made to show fruit rather than oak. The 2023 is deeply coloured, with intense black fruits of blackberry and ripe plum, red berries and a lift of floral and herbal notes, thyme and dried herbs over black pepper and a touch of liquorice. The palate is full and supple at 14.5 percent, with ripe tannins and a fresh, savoury finish. Serve at 16 degrees. It is well suited to grilled meats, roast vegetables and hearty stews.