Perelada Finca Espolla 2022

Perelada, a winery with more than a century of history in D.O. Empordà, makes Finca Espolla from a single 21 hectare plot at the foot of the Sierra de Les Alberes, near the Pyrenees. The vineyard sits on dark, acidic slate soils, which the winemaker credits with the wine's fresh, balsamic character. Slate drains freely and stores daytime heat, releasing it overnight to even out ripening, while the cool mountain air and the Tramuntana wind keep the fruit healthy and aromatic. The blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha, Monastrell and Syrah is aged 22 months in French oak from Allier, where slow oxygen exchange firms the tannins and adds toast and sweet spice. The wine is made to a vegan specification. It pours a ruby red with violet reflections. The nose shows ripe plum and dark berry fruit, black pepper, dried herbs and a balsamic, eucalyptus lift. The palate is full at 15% alcohol, with firm structured tannins, dark fruit and an earthy, mineral finish from the slate. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees and decant young bottles. It suits grilled red meat and game.