Perelada Garrigal Vinyes Velles 2023

Garrigal Vinyes Velles is an old-vine Carinena from Perelada in D.O. Emporda, in the far north-east of Catalonia where the vineyards meet the tramuntana wind off the coast. Carinena from old vines gives low yields of concentrated, deeply coloured fruit with firm natural acidity and a savoury, spicy character. The Emporda soils are largely slate and granite, poor and free-draining, which keeps the vines lean and lends the wine a stony minerality, while the strong, dry tramuntana wind keeps the fruit healthy and the warm Mediterranean climate ripens it fully at a moderate 13.5 percent. The wine ages seven months in oak, a shorter stay that rounds the tannins and adds a light spice while keeping the focus on the fruit. It pours deep red, with raspberry and plum on the nose over black pepper, dried herbs and liquorice. The palate is medium to full, fresh and savoury, with firm but ripe tannin and a peppery, mineral finish. Serve at 16 degrees. It suits grilled and roast red meats and hearty vegetable dishes.