Terra de Cuques Negre 2022

Terra de Cuques Negre comes from Terroir al Límit, the Torroja del Priorat estate of Eben Sadie and Dominik Huber, known for a restrained, terroir driven approach. It blends Garnacha and Cariñena from very old vines between 55 and 75 years, grown in small micro-terroirs on the region's fractured slate, known locally as llicorella. The slate drains freely and forces the vines deep, lending minerality and tension, while the great age of the vines keeps yields tiny and the fruit concentrated. Farming is sustainable with little intervention, aiming to express the slate rather than the cellar. Unusually for Priorat, the wine sees no oak, ageing around eight months in stainless steel and concrete, which preserves fruit purity and freshness and keeps the alcohol moderate at 13.5 per cent, well below the region's bolder reds. The result is a lighter, fresher reading of Priorat. The colour is a bright medium red. The nose leads with red cherry and berries, lifted by rose, dried herbs and a peppery, stony edge. The palate is fresh and finely textured, with gentle tannins, vivid acidity and a long, mineral finish. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees, lightly chilled. Good with poultry and lighter meats.