Partida Creus Vinel·lo 2022

Partida Creus Vinel·lo is a natural red from Antonella Gerosa and Massimo Marchiori at Celler Partida Creus in Bonastre, in the Baix Penedès of Tarragona. The couple farm small plots closely planted with old and recovered Catalan varieties, working by hand and following a low-intervention, Slow Food philosophy in the vineyard and the cellar. This wine is a field blend led by Garnacha and Sumoll, with smaller parts of Trepat, Garrut, Queixal de Llop, Samsó and Ull de Perdiu, many of them local grapes the producers have helped revive. The wine ferments and ages for around seven months in stainless steel rather than oak, which preserves the bright fruit and the fresh, unadorned character of a natural wine made with minimal additions. At just 10.5 percent it is deliberately light. It pours a bright, translucent red. The nose is fruit-forward, with fresh strawberry and cherry and a light floral and herbal edge. The palate is juicy and low in tannin, with crisp acidity and an easy, thirst-quenching feel that rewards a light chill. The finish is clean and fruity. Serve at 13 to 14 degrees, lightly chilled, with lighter dishes and charcuterie.