2018 Terroir Sense Fronteres Negre, Monstant

Negre is a blend of 75% Garnacha and 25% Cariñena, 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. Specifically, the Garnacha comes from the mixed sandy clay soils known locally as panal and the Cariñena is from predominantly red clay soils. 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 and was bottled unfiltered. The alcohol is a refreshing 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. As the note below makes clear, this is simply a bottle of pure, juicy and super-delicious Montsant.

The 2018 Negre is a blend of organic Garnacha and 25% Cariñena from different vineyards around the village of Capçanes where they have the winery. It definitely feels fresher and more ethereal than the 2017 and is very much in line with the wines I tasted from Priorat; it has great purity and elegance and was bottled without any contact with oak. There are cherries, spices and herbs and a touch of licorice, and the palate is medium-bodied, with very fine tannins. Delicious. 15,000 bottles produced.