Terroir Sense Fronteres Vèrtebra de la Figuera 2022

Vèrtebra de la Figuera is the work of Dominik Huber of Terroir Sense Fronteres, a devotee of Priorat who found his vineyard by chance in neighbouring D.O. Montsant. He vinifies Garnacha Tinta in a way closer to old Burgundian tradition than to the ripe modern Priorat style, aiming for a light, fresh and expressive red. At 12.5 per cent the wine sits in the light, perfumed register, earlier picking holding acidity and keeping the fruit lifted rather than jammy. The slate and clay soils of Montsant give drainage and a clear stony, savoury character. Ageing is six months in old stone lagares and cement, neutral vessels that hold fresh fruit and colour and add no oak flavour, while gentle air through the porous amphorae softens the tannin and keeps the wine open and aromatic. It pours a bright, light ruby. The nose is fresh red berry and cherry with rose, earth and thyme. The palate is light and fresh, with fine, low tannin, bright acidity and a clean, mineral finish. Serve at 13 to 15 degrees, lightly chilled. It is a versatile, food-friendly red.