Scala Dei Sant Antoni 2021

Scala Dei takes its name from the medieval Carthusian monastery that first planted vines in Priorat, in the hills of inland Catalonia. Sant Antoni is made from Garnacha grown on the area's defining licorella, a fractured black slate that reflects heat and forces the vines to root deep through the rock for water. That struggle keeps yields low and gives Priorat its mineral, almost stony character. The climate is hot and dry, tempered by altitude and cooler nights that preserve freshness in the fruit. The wine ages 14 months in large oak foudres; the bigger format means a lower ratio of wood to wine, so oxygen rounds the tannins and integrates the fruit without heavy oak flavour. The colour is deep ruby. The nose shows ripe raspberry and blackberry, dried Mediterranean herbs, liquorice and a clear mineral edge. The palate is full and firm, with concentrated fruit, fine grainy tannins and a long, savoury, stony finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanting younger bottles. It is built for roast and grilled meats and slow-cooked stews.