Volador de Josep Grau Viticultor 2025

Volador comes from Josep Grau Viticultor in D.O. Montsant, the Catalan region that rings Priorat. It is a blend of Garnacha and Samsó, the local name for Carignan, from a 25-hectare estate of old vines between 30 and 80 years. The old vines crop little and concentrate the fruit, while the warm Mediterranean climate ripens the Garnacha fully, which carries the wine to 14.5 per cent and gives it its ripe, generous character. Montsant's mix of clay, limestone and slate soils lends grip and a savoury, stony note. The wine ferments and rests six months in cement tanks and barrel. The neutral cement preserves bright fruit and colour with no oak flavour, while the short time in barrel adds a little air and structure, keeping the wine young, fresh and vital, as the name, Catalan for flying, suggests. It pours deep cherry red. The nose is ripe red berry, plum and cherry with cracked pepper and wild herbs. The palate is full but lively, with ripe fruit, supple tannin and a warm, savoury finish. Serve at 15 to 17 degrees. It suits grilled and roast meats.