Orto Vins “Orto” 2023

Orto is a red from DO Montsant made by Orto Vins, a project founded in 2008 by four growers in El Masroig, among them Joan Asens, former winemaker at Alvaro Palacios in neighbouring Priorat. It blends Carinena and Garnacha with Ull de Llebre and Picapoll Negre. Montsant wraps around Priorat and shares some of its character, with a Mediterranean climate softened by continental influence, the surrounding mountains acting as a barrier against sea winds and creating a strong day to night temperature contrast. That diurnal swing keeps acidity and aromatic freshness in the fruit. Carinena brings structure and dark fruit, Garnacha ripe red fruit and body. The wine spends three months in French oak, a short pass that rounds the tannins and adds a frame without dominating the fruit. The 2023 shows red berries, plum and cherry over black pepper, dried herbs and a stony, earthy minerality. The palate is medium to full at 14 percent, fresh and structured with grippy but ripe tannins and a savoury finish. Serve at 16 degrees. Good with grilled meats and earthy vegetable dishes.