Rebels de Batea Negre 2022

Rebels de Batea Negre is a red from D.O. Terra Alta in Catalonia, made by 7 Magnífics from Garnacha Negra as a single varietal. Terra Alta is a high inland plateau in the south of Catalonia, dry and windswept, where the prevailing Cierzo wind keeps the vineyards healthy and the warm days are tempered by altitude and cool nights. These conditions suit Garnacha, a variety that ripens to generous red fruit while holding freshness when grown with care. The wine sees only three months in secondhand French oak, used barrels chosen for gentle rounding rather than flavour, so the emphasis stays on the fruit and the warm, herbal character of the place. The colour is bright mid-ruby. The nose is open and perfumed, with wild red berries, cherry, white flowers and a warm garrigue note of dried herb and thyme. The palate is medium bodied with soft tannin and fresh acidity, the finish clean and savoury. At 14 percent it stays approachable and easy. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees, lightly chilled in warm weather. A flexible everyday red for the table.