Purgatori 2022

Purgatori is a red blend of Garnacha, Cariñena and Syrah from D.O. Costers del Segre, made by Familia Torres at Les Borges Blanques in Lleida. The family firm dates to 1870 and farms across several Spanish denominations. This inland Catalan site has a continental climate of hot, dry summers and cold nights, with poor, stony soils that limit vine vigour and concentrate the fruit. The wide day to night temperature swing preserves freshness in a warm region, holding acidity and aromatic lift against the natural ripeness of Garnacha. The grapes ferment in stainless steel, then the wine ages sixteen months in French oak, where measured oxygen exchange softens the Cariñena tannins and knits the three varieties together. The colour is deep cherry red. The nose shows ripe raspberry and plum with black pepper, liquorice and a garrigue note of wild thyme. The palate is full and warm at 14.5 percent, with ripe tannins, fresh acidity and a long, lightly smoky finish. The wine is vegan. Serve at 17 degrees, decanted, with roast lamb, grilled beef or roasted vegetables.