Masia Carreras Negre 2022

Masia Carreras Negre comes from Cellar Martí Fabra in D.O. Empordà, in the north-eastern corner of Catalonia between the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean. It blends Carignan, Garnacha, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah from old vineyards between 50 and 80 years of age. The region is marked by the tramontana, the dry northerly wind that thins yields and keeps the fruit healthy, while old vines on poor soils concentrate flavour and lend the wine its depth at 15 percent alcohol. The blend is made in the traditional way and aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, where measured oxygen exchange through the staves softens the firm Carignan tannin and adds cocoa, sweet spice and a fine structure. It then rests for some months in bottle in underground cellars before release, allowing the components to integrate. The colour is deep, near opaque ruby. The nose shows dark plum, black pepper, liquorice and dried Mediterranean herbs over an earthy base. The palate is full and warm, with ripe but firm tannin, savoury depth and a long spiced finish. Decant about two hours before serving at 17 degrees. It suits grilled red meat and game.