2017 Terroir Sense Fronteres Negre, Catalonia

Negre is a blend of 75% Grenache and 25% Carignan, again from mature vines sited around Capçanes. The 25 year old (average) bush vines sit at 350 metres on varying exposures of limestone, clay and slate. This release was 100% whole-bunch fermented in tank only, with a gentle yet short fermentation that took only around seven to eight days. Following this, the wine rested in tank for six months. Bottled unfiltered. The AbV is just 13%. Light in colour and with a bright, juicy personality, this is a wine inspired by the ancient releases of ‘Burgundy-like’ wines once made by the Scala Dei monastery. Everything old is new again.

The floral and cherry aromas leap out of the glass and have an HD precision that you don’t normally find in entry-level wines. You can say the same thing about the full, moderately dry tannins on palate. A refreshing hint of bitterness on the intense, mineral finish. Drink or hold.