Vinyes Domènech Furvus 2024

Furvus is a red from Vinyes Domènech in the inland Catalan appellation of Montsant, a family winery established in 2002. It blends Garnacha Peluda, the hairy leaved local form of Grenache, with around twenty per cent Merlot. The climate here is Mediterranean with strong continental influence, the surrounding mountains acting as a barrier to maritime air and creating a wide swing between warm days and cold nights. That diurnal range, with average lows near 7 degrees and highs near 20, holds acidity and builds colour and aromatic depth while the grapes ripen fully through the hot, dry summers. Garnacha Peluda is valued here for resisting heat and oxidation and for keeping freshness in a warm site. The wine is aged twelve months in French oak barrels, where the slow oxygen exchange through the wood firms the tannins and adds a fine vanilla and spice tone in support of the fruit. It is deeply coloured, with a nose of ripe plum and dark berry over black pepper, liquorice and a stony, earthy edge. The palate is full and structured, with firm ripe tannins, good acidity and a long, savoury finish. Decant an hour ahead and serve at 16 to 18 degrees with grilled and roasted red meats.