Planetes Classic 2022

Planetes Classic, once sold as Planetes de Nin, is a Priorat red from the Familia Nin-Ortiz in Porrera, in the D.O.Q. Priorat in Catalonia. Ester Nin and Carles Ortiz farm the region's steep slate slopes biodynamically, and the fruit comes from the Finca les Planetes, five hectares of Garnacha and Carignan picked by hand. The defining soil here is llicorella, broken slate that drains hard and forces the vines to root deep, cropping low and concentrating the fruit, while hot days and cool nights extend ripening and hold acidity. Fermentation runs with the vineyard's own yeasts, which lends complexity and a clear sense of site. The wine then ages eighteen months in large foudres, whose low ratio of wood to wine gives a slow, gentle maturation that frames the fruit rather than flavouring it with oak. The colour is an inviting cherry red, with intense raspberry and ripe cherry on the nose set against subtle wood and toast. The palate is medium bodied and elegant, with fine tannins, a mineral, savoury core and a long finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees in a large glass. It suits roast red meat and game.