Sandra Doix Popul 2022

Sandra Doix is an oenologist and viticulturist from Poboleda in D.O.Q. Priorat, Catalonia, and Popul is her most personal project, drawn from family vineyards that include parcels planted in 1902. Priorat's defining feature is its llicorella soil, a steep, broken slate that forces vines to root deep for water and gives the wines their dark fruit, firm structure and unmistakable mineral grip. The blend of Garnacha and Cariñena, with a little Syrah, ripens fully in the warm, sheltered hillsides while the poor soils and old vines keep yields tiny and concentration high. The wine spends twelve months in oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange softens the naturally firm tannins and adds a savoury spice frame. The colour is deep and dark. The nose leads with ripe cherry, blackberry and plum over crushed pepper, liquorice and a stony, smoky mineral note. The palate is full bodied and structured, with firm but ripe tannins, fresh acidity and a long, mineral finish that reflects the slate. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees and decant an hour ahead. It suits rich roast and grilled meats.