Mas de la Rosa Vi de Finca Gran Vinya Classificada 2021

Mas de la Rosa is a single-vineyard red from Celler Vall-Llach in D.O.Q. Priorat, and one of only two wines, alongside L'Ermita, to hold the region's top Gran Vinya Classificada status. It is made from ancient Cariñena vines on the Mas de la Rosa farm, planted on the slate and quartzite soils known locally as llicorella, on steep terraces with strong sun exposure. The llicorella forces the roots deep in search of water and reflects heat onto the fruit, while the surrounding peaks cool the nights, so the old vines yield tiny crops of intensely concentrated, mineral-driven grapes. All the work is done by hand. Fermentation on skins extracts the dense colour and powerful phenolics that define Priorat, and the wine ages sixteen months in French oak, where slow oxygen exchange resolves the firm tannins and adds cedar and a smoky depth. The 2021 is deep, near opaque ruby. The nose shows ripe dark plum, black cherry and liquorice over smoke, black pepper and crushed stone. The palate is full and powerful at fifteen and a half percent, with firm, fine grain tannin and a long, mineral finish. Serve at 16 to 18C and decant well ahead. It suits roast and grilled red meat.