Partida Bellvisos 2019

Partida Bellvisos comes from Sara i René Viticultors, a young couple whose families helped drive Priorat's revival, working a vineyard set among small oak woods in this rugged corner of Catalonia. It is made from the native Cariñena and Garnacha Peluda, an old-vine selection farmed organically and made as a natural wine. Priorat's signature is its llicorella, a slate and quartz soil that forces vine roots deep in search of water and gives wines marked depth, firm tannin and a smoky, stony minerality. Steep terraces, low yields and a hot, dry climate concentrate the fruit and push alcohol up. Ageing lasts twenty months in French oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange softens the tannins and frames the fruit without masking the soil character. The colour is deep, dark red. The nose is black plum and red berry fruit with thyme and other dry herbs, liquorice, black pepper, woodsmoke and a clear mineral, earthy edge. The palate is full and structured, with firm tannins, real concentration and a long, savoury, mineral finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees, decanting an hour ahead. It suits grilled red meat, game and aged cheese.