Salanques 2022

Salanques is a red from D.O.Q. Priorat, made by Mas Doix in Poboleda, in the north east of the appellation. It blends Grenache, around 65 percent, with Carignan and Syrah, grown on vineyards between 350 and 500 metres on licorella, the slate and quartz soils that define Priorat. These soils are the heart of the wine, the broken slate forcing roots deep in search of water, giving low yields, concentrated fruit and the dark mineral depth typical of the region. The altitude tempers the Mediterranean heat and keeps acidity in the wine. Hand harvested fruit passes a double selection table, then ferments under temperature control with whole berries to keep the fruit fresh and the extraction measured. The wine ages 14 months in French oak, where slow oxygen exchange firms the structure and adds spice while resolving the grippy tannins of slate grown Carignan and Grenache. The colour is deep, near opaque ruby. The nose shows ripe plum, black cherry and liquorice over stone and cedar. The palate is full and structured at 15 percent, the slate giving a savoury mineral lift that carries the weight, finishing long on dark fruit and dark chocolate. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees and decant. Good with roast lamb and aged cheese.