Roig Parals Camí de Cormes 2021

Roig Parals farms in D.O. Empordà, in the north-east corner of Catalonia where the Pyrenees meet the Mediterranean. Camí de Cormes is a varietal Cariñena, the grape the family carried back from Roussillon generations ago and replanted after phylloxera. Empordà is swept by the tramontana, the cold north wind that dries the vines and reduces disease pressure, allowing organic farming and concentrating the fruit. Cariñena ripens late and keeps firm acidity and tannin even at 14.5% alcohol, giving a wine built for structure. It spends 14 months in French oak barrels, which softens the tannin through slow oxygen exchange and adds a fine spice frame without masking the fruit. The colour is deep red. The nose leads with plum and darker red berries, dried Mediterranean herbs, leather and a stony, earthy note. The palate is full and structured, with grippy but ripe tannin, savoury depth and a long finish carrying oak spice and garrigue. Decant it an hour ahead and serve at 16 to 18C. It suits grilled and roasted red meat, and its herbal savour is a natural match for lamb.