Parés Baltà Mas Elena 2020

Mas Elena is a red from Parés Baltà in D.O. Penedès, drawn from three estate vineyards: Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from Finca Els Pujols, further Merlot from Finca Cal Miret and Cabernet Franc from Finca La Torreta. Each variety is fermented separately at a controlled 25 degrees over 18 to 31 days depending on the grape, an extended maceration that draws colour, tannin and dark fruit from the skins while the cool, controlled temperature protects aroma. The Penedès climate is Mediterranean with cooler hillside sites that lengthen ripening and preserve acidity, and the estate farms organically. After blending, the wine ages eight months in second and third year French oak from Allier, older barrels that round the tannins and add gentle spice rather than overt new wood, so the fruit stays forward. The colour is deep red with bluish highlights. The nose leads with cherry and raspberry over a savoury, earthy edge and a touch of vanilla and tobacco. The palate is medium-bodied and fine-grained at 14 percent, with fresh acidity and a long, dry finish. It is certified organic and vegan. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, ideally decanted. It suits roast lamb and grilled red meat.