Perelada Gran Claustro 2021

Gran Claustro is the flagship red of Perelada in the D.O. Empordà, made only in the better vintages from grapes selected across the estate's finest vineyards. The blend joins Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah to Samsó, the local name for Carignan, combining blackcurrant structure, peppery dark fruit and fresh acidity. Empordà lies in the far north-east of Catalonia between the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean, swept by the dry Tramuntana wind that keeps the vines healthy and the crop small, concentrating colour and tannin in the fruit. As a Reserva the wine spends sixteen months in French Allier oak, a fine-grained wood that releases its tannin and spice slowly; the extended barrel time softens the Cabernet and Carignan tannins through gradual oxygen exchange and adds cedar, vanilla and toast, while malolactic conversion rounds the palate. The colour is deep and dark. The nose shows blackcurrant and plum over black pepper, dark chocolate, tobacco and oak spice. The palate is full and structured, with firm, ripe tannins, balanced acidity and a long, warming finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanted. It suits roast lamb, grilled beef and hearty stews.