Partida Creus Tinto Natural 2022

Partida Creus Tinto Natural is a natural red from Penedès in Catalonia, made by Massimo Marchetti and Antonella Gerosa from the Mayol estate within the protected forest of the Massís de Bonastre. The pair, Italians who settled here in 2001, farm organically and have built their reputation on recovering native Catalan varieties, here blending Sumoll and Bobal with Tempranillo. The vineyards sit among woodland on poor soils, a cool, bush vine setting that yields small crops of fresh, lightly structured fruit. The winemaking is low intervention. Grapes are fermented with native yeasts and the wine is made with minimal additions and no oak, so the character comes from the fruit and the place rather than the cellar. The result is light and direct. The colour is bright, translucent ruby. The nose shows red cherry, redcurrant and wild strawberry over fresh earth, dried herbs and a faint briny note. The palate is light bodied at 12 percent, with crunchy red fruit, fresh acidity and gentle tannins, finishing clean and savoury. The wine is natural, organic and vegan. Serve lightly chilled at 14 degrees with charcuterie or lighter dishes.