Plaer 2022

Plaer is a Priorat red from Acústic Celler, blended from old Grenache and Carignan vines aged between 40 and 60 years across several sites. The defining feature of Priorat is the llicorella, a fractured slate and quartz soil that forces roots deep in search of water, concentrating the fruit and carrying a mineral, smoky signature into the glass. The vineyards lie between 300 and 650 metres, where altitude and a wide day-to-night temperature swing preserve acidity and aromatic detail through the warm Catalan summer. Grapes are hand harvested and selected, then fermented and aged for twelve months in French oak, which firms the tannin and adds a measured layer of spice through slow oxygen exchange. Production runs to fewer than 6,000 bottles. The colour is deep ruby. The nose shows black plum, red berries, black pepper and liquorice over a smoky, stony base, and the palate is full and structured at 15 percent alcohol, with ripe but grippy tannin and a long mineral finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees, decanting an hour ahead. It pairs with roast lamb, grilled beef and mushroom dishes.