Tuets Tot Negre 2023

Tuets is the project of Albert Domingo, who has taken over the old family estate at Aiguamurcia in inland Catalonia and farms it under natural and organic principles. Tot Negre blends Syrah with Ull de Llebre, the Catalan name for Tempranillo. The wine is made in a deliberately fresh, low-intervention style: it is raised for nine months in stainless steel tanks rather than oak, so there is no wood flavour or added tannin, and the cool, inert steel keeps the fruit primary, the colour bright and the texture light. At 12.5 percent alcohol it sits at the lighter end of Catalan reds. The Mediterranean climate, tempered by altitude inland, ripens the grapes while holding acidity, and the natural winemaking lets the fruit speak directly. The colour is bright cherry red. The nose shows fresh red berries, cherry and plum, with a peppery note from the Syrah and a dried-herb, earthy edge. The palate is light to medium bodied, juicy and fresh, with soft tannins and lively acidity, and a clean fruit-driven finish. It can take a light chill. Serve at 14 to 16 degrees. It is flexible at the table and suits lighter meats, charcuterie and vegetable dishes.