Los Comuns Estrem 2024

Los Comuns is the project of childhood friends Jordi Escoda and Agusti Perello at El Molar, on the border of D.O.Q. Priorat and D.O. Montsant in the heart of Catalonia. They farm three and a half hectares of small plots, some owned and some leased, and Estrem blends Carinena and Garnacha, the two grapes that define the area. Priorat is known for its licorella, the slate and quartzite soil that forces vines to root deep for water and lends the wines their dark mineral depth and grip. This is a young, fresh interpretation rather than a heavily extracted one. Made as a natural wine, it is raised for just two months in clay vessels rather than oak, so the fruit stays primary and the porous terracotta softens the texture without adding wood character. The colour is bright purple-red. The nose is fresh and lively, with red berry and plum, dried thyme, black pepper and a saline, stony note. The palate is medium to full bodied, the tannin present but supple, with a savoury, mineral finish. Serve lightly cool at 15 to 16 degrees. It suits grilled lamb and earthy vegetable dishes.