Mascorrubí Sumoll Atuell 2018

Mascorrubí is a farmhouse project in Pla de Manlleu, the elevated heart of the Penedès, working with Sumoll, an almost-forgotten Catalan grape now valued for its freshness and savoury character. The vineyards sit between 500 and 700 metres on poor, stony soils that force the vine to struggle and concentrate its aromatics, while the strong day-to-night temperature swing at altitude preserves acidity and gives the wine its lift and tension. Sumoll is naturally high in acid and firm in tannin, so it produces light-bodied but structured reds. This bottling is aged nine months in clay amphorae, a neutral, breathable vessel that allows a slow, even oxygenation to soften the texture and round the tannins while adding no wood flavour, keeping the fruit and earthy character pure. Farming is organic. It is a bright, medium red. The nose is intricate and savoury, with carob, black liquorice, almond, caramelised red fruit and a balsamic, herbal edge; the palate is light to medium, fresh and finely grained, with crunchy cherry fruit, firm acidity and a dry, earthy finish. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees, lightly chilled, with poultry, lamb or grilled vegetables.