Ònix Evolució 2022

Ònix Evolució is a Priorat red from Vinícola del Priorat, blending Garnacha and Samsó, the local name for Cariñena. The fruit is drawn from more than three hundred small plots the winery works, grown on the steep terraces of decomposed slate, the licorella, that defines Priorat. The vines must drive their roots deep through the broken slate to find water, which gives low yields and the dense, mineral character the region is known for. The hot, dry Mediterranean climate, moderated by altitude and cool nights, ripens the fruit fully to 15 per cent alcohol while the diurnal range keeps acidity in balance. Grapes are picked by hand into small fifteen-kilo boxes so they reach the cellar whole and unbruised. The wine is aged twelve months in French oak, which firms the structure with fine-grained spice and softens tannin through slow oxygen exchange. The colour is a deep ruby. The nose shows dark cherry and plum over black pepper, liquorice and crushed dried herbs, with a stony slate edge. The palate is full bodied and structured, with firm tannin, fresh acidity and a long, mineral finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanted. It suits roast lamb, grilled beef and game.