Mas Estela Quindals 2022

Mas Estela work in D.O. Empordà, in the warm north-east corner of Catalonia where the Mediterranean meets the Pyrenees and the dry Tramuntana wind sweeps the vineyards. This red blends Garnacha Tinta with Syrah, two varieties well suited to the region's heat and poor soils, which keep yields low and ripen the fruit fully at 14.5% alcohol. The wind reduces disease pressure and helps growers farm with minimal intervention. Rather than oak, the wine is aged for nine months in clay amphorae. The porous clay allows gentle oxygen exchange that softens the tannins and settles the wine, but adds no wood flavour, so the fruit and the herbal character of the place come through clearly. The wine is deep red with a violet edge. The nose shows ripe red berries, plum and the dried herbs and garrigue typical of a sun-baked Mediterranean hillside, with a peppery lift from the Syrah. The palate is warm and savoury, medium to full in body, with supple tannins, a stony freshness and a finish of liquorice and thyme. Serve at 16 degrees. It works well with grilled lamb and herb-roasted vegetables.