Pardas Negre Franc 2019

Pardas Negre Franc is an organic red from D.O. Penedès, made by Celler Pardas from Cabernet Franc with Cabernet Sauvignon. The estate sits in the Bitlles Valley of Alt Penedès, an inland, higher-altitude pocket of the appellation where cooler conditions favour the two Bordeaux varieties and help them keep freshness and aromatic herb character. Farming is fully organic and low intervention, which keeps the soil alive and lets the vintage speak clearly through the wine. Cabernet Franc gives leafy red fruit, herbs and floral lift, while Cabernet Sauvignon adds darker fruit, colour and tannic backbone. The wine is aged for twelve months in French oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange settles the tannins and adds cedar and a measured layer of spice. Despite a ripe 15 per cent alcohol it keeps its savoury edge. It is deep ruby with a violet glint. The nose shows red currant, plum and black cherry with black pepper, dried herbs, capsicum and an earthy, graphite undertone. The palate is full-bodied and structured, ripe yet fresh, with firm, fine-grained tannins and a long, savoury finish. Serve at 17 degrees and decant. It is a fine match for grilled red meat.