Rotllan Torra Crianza 2019

Rotllan Torra is a small family winery in Torroja del Priorat, in the heart of the D.O.Q. Priorat. This Crianza is a blend of Garnacha, Cariñena, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot from vines of nearly twenty years, planted on the region's poor slate soils, known locally as llicorella. The fractured slate forces the roots deep in search of water, yielding low crops of intensely flavoured fruit and lending the mineral, almost graphite character that marks Priorat. The grapes are picked by hand at dawn into 20 kilogram crates, fermented at 28 degrees and macerated on the skins for twenty days, a long contact that extracts deep colour, ripe phenolics and firm tannin. The wine then spends twelve months in American oak barrels, which contribute a sweet vanilla and toast while softening the structure. At 15 percent alcohol it is dark and full bodied, with black cherry, red forest fruit, cocoa and dried herbs on the nose and a stony, mineral edge running through the palate. The tannins are firm and the finish long. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanting an hour ahead, with grilled red meat or game.