Oliver Conti Indispensable Negre 2024

Brothers Xavier and Jordi Oliver Conti founded their estate in 1991 in the Alt Empordà, in north-eastern Catalonia under the D.O. Empordà. This is a warm Mediterranean corner swept by the Tramuntana wind, which dries the canopy, limits disease pressure and concentrates the fruit. Garnacha Tinta leads the blend, supported by Samsó, the local name for Carignan, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Garnacha ripens fully in this heat to give ripe red fruit and a generous, rounded palate, Carignan adds colour, acidity and dark-fruited depth, and Cabernet brings structure and a herbal backbone. Made in a young, fruit-forward style at 14 percent, the wine is built for early drinking rather than long ageing. The colour is a deep cherry red. The nose shows ripe red berries, plum and dried Mediterranean herbs, with a lick of liquorice, and the palate is generous and warm, fruit-driven and finished with a peppery grip from the Carignan and Cabernet. Serve at 16 degrees. It is an easy match for grilled lamb, roast pork and other grilled and chargrilled meats.