Massaluca Negre 2024

Massaluca Negre is a red from D.O. Terra Alta, the highland appellation in the south-west corner of Catalonia near the Ebro and Matarraña rivers. It blends Garnacha Tinta with Samsó, the local name for Cariñena, the two varieties that define this warm inland region. Terra Alta sits at altitude on poor limestone soils known locally as panal, and the combination of height, the dry Cierzo wind and the wide day-to-night temperature range lets the late-ripening Garnacha and Cariñena reach full ripeness while holding their freshness and aromatic lift. The wine is aged six months in oak barrels, a short ageing that softens the tannins through gentle oxygen exchange and adds a light spice frame without masking the fruit. It pours deep red, with a nose of ripe red berries and plum over black pepper, liquorice and the wild Mediterranean herb character of the region. The palate is full and warm at 14% alcohol, with ripe tannins, fresh acidity and a savoury, herbal finish. This is a generous, food-friendly red. Serve at 16 to 17C with grilled and roasted meats and hearty rice and bean dishes.