Cami Pesseroles, Priorato, 2017

Primarily Carignan of over 100 years old, blended with a smaller proportion of Garnacha planted in 1939 after the Civil War. Co-fermented in oak casks and for the first time in 2017, aging is carried out entirely in chestnut, acacia and cherry barrels (rather than oak) with a tiny proportion in Demi John. “It’s true that the chestnut is more rustic but it fits the character of Carinena, and the vineyard too, I think the wine has more soul, more character, more complexity.” A wonderfully complex dark fruited nose with hints of bitter chocolate, wild herbs, earth and incense leads in to a full bodied, succulent palate that is hard to describe. A certain tannic presence and fine, trembling acidity holds together and frames a vibrant, authentic style of wine that although powerful has a real sense of cohesion and balance. All the elements are in place for a long life ahead and yet there is something irresistible about it now…