Perelada 5 Finques 2021

Perelada 5 Finques is a Reserva red from D.O. Empordà in Catalonia, drawn from five plots and blending Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Garnacha, Samsó and Monastrell. Empordà lies in the north east corner of Catalonia between the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean, where the strong Tramontana wind keeps the vines healthy and dry, and where varied soils and the meeting of sea and mountain shape the wines. The diverse blend draws structure and cassis from the Bordeaux grapes, pepper and dark fruit from Syrah, and warmth from the Mediterranean Garnacha, Samsó and Monastrell. After fermentation the wine spends 16 months in French and American oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange rounds the tannin and the wood adds spice, vanilla and a gentle roasted tone. The colour is deep. The nose shows ripe black fruit with spice, balsamic herbs and a soft roasted echo. The palate is full bodied yet fresh, the tannin firm and ripe, the finish long and savoury. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees and decant an hour ahead. It is built for roast lamb, grilled red meat and game.