Rebeldes Relpaso 2021

Rebeldes is the project of Javier and Suso, two sommeliers who met in Barcelona and set up in D.O. Montsant, the Catalan zone that wraps around Priorat. Relpaso is made from Garnacha Tinta, the warm-climate variety suited to the region's slate and clay soils and dry Mediterranean climate, which ripens the fruit fully while the old vines and poor soils keep yields low and concentration high. The wine ages for ten months in clay amphora rather than oak, a choice that allows gentle oxygen exchange to soften the tannins while keeping the fruit pure and adding a faint mineral, savoury texture, with none of the vanilla or spice of barrel ageing. The colour is deep ruby. The nose shows fresh red berries and plum with black pepper and a wild, herbal note. The palate is full bodied but bright, with ripe red fruit, fine grippy tannins and a stony, earthy freshness running to a savoury, liquorice-tinged finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. It is well suited to grilled and roasted meats.