Mas La Mola Vi d’Altura 2021

Mas La Mola Vi d'Altura comes from Poboleda, one of the higher villages of D.O.Q. Priorat, where Jordi Masdeu and Alessandro Marchessan work a small seven-hectare estate. The vines sit on the region's defining llicorella, a brown slate that fractures easily and forces roots deep in search of water, giving low yields and concentrated, mineral fruit. The altitude brings cooler nights and a wide swing between day and night temperature, which slows ripening and keeps freshness in a warm climate. Garnacha Peluda and Garnacha Tinta make up the blend at 14.5% alcohol. Ageing runs to fifteen months in French oak from Allier, where slow oxygen exchange through the barrel softens the firm Priorat tannins and adds spice and structure. The wine is deep, dark cherry in colour. The nose offers ripe plum and black cherry, liquorice, woodsmoke and a stony, earthy minerality. The palate is full and structured, with firm but ripe tannin, dark fruit and a long, savoury, mineral finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees and decant an hour ahead. Best with rich roasts and braised meats.