Sandra Doix MarLa Vi de Paratge Les Salanques Carinyena 2021

Sandra Doix farms in Priorat, the steep appellation in southern Catalonia, working from the village of Poboleda. This single parcel Cariñena, a vi de paratge, comes from old vines rooted in the region's signature llicorella, a slate and quartzite soil that forces vines deep for water and lends Priorat reds their mineral, stony grip. The arid Mediterranean climate, steep slopes and old, low yielding vines concentrate the fruit, while cool nights preserve enough acidity to balance the wine's natural power. It is aged twelve months in oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange softens the firm Cariñena tannins and adds a measure of spice without masking the fruit. The colour is deep cherry. The nose shows dark cherry, plum and blackberry over liquorice, dried herbs and a clear mineral, slatey note. The palate is full bodied and concentrated at fifteen per cent, with firm tannin, fresh acidity and a long stony finish. Serve at sixteen to eighteen degrees and decant an hour ahead. It suits grilled red meat, roast lamb and game.