Nita 2023

Nita comes from Meritxell Pallejà in the D.O.Q. Priorat, the steep Catalan region built on the dark, schist soil known locally as llicorella. The blend leans on Garnacha at around 45 percent with Cariñena, Cabernet Sauvignon and a touch of Syrah, drawn from two hectares of estate vineyards around Gratallops. Fruit is picked by hand, destemmed and cold macerated before fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel. Holding the wine in steel for roughly eight months, with no oak, is a deliberate choice for this cuvée: it preserves primary fruit and the mineral signature the llicorella gives, since the slatey subsoil forces vines deep for water and lends a stony, savoury character. The result is a fresher, more approachable face of Priorat than the region's heavier reds. Expect ripe red fruit, cherry and plum, violet florals and a balsamic, mineral undertow, with medium body and fine-grained tannins. Serve at 16 degrees, with a brief decant to open the aromatics. It pairs with grilled pork, roast poultry, mushroom dishes and firm, nutty cheeses.