Mas Donis Negre 2024

Celler de Capçanes works in the D.O. Montsant, the schist and granite hill country that wraps around Priorat in southern Catalonia. Mas Donis Negre blends roughly 80 percent Grenache with 20 percent Syrah, drawn from old vines between 30 and 60 years old planted on terraced clay and granite soils. The warm, dry Mediterranean climate ripens Grenache to a generous level while the elevation and stony ground keep yields modest and the fruit concentrated. The two varieties are picked and vinified separately, macerated for six to eight days for a measured extraction of colour and supple tannin, then fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel at around 24 to 28 degrees to preserve the bright fruit. The wine then completes malolactic fermentation, converting sharp malic acid to softer lactic, which rounds the texture, before a short four months in barrel to add a light frame without heavy oak. The colour is bright ruby. The nose shows ripe plum and red berries over black pepper, dried herbs and a stony earthiness. The palate is medium to full, juicy and warming, with soft tannin and a fresh finish. Serve at 15 to 17 degrees with grilled meat or roast vegetables.