Notes
SAVOURY & COMFORTING
Like the fresh and earthy smell right after a summer rainfall. This wine leaves you feeling calm and at peace. Aromas of plums, cherry jam, and earthy notes. In the mouth it has a pleasant texture, bright acidity, notes of wet slate soils, rosemary, and a touch of salinity.
The Carinyena grapes come from the Pendents vineyard. Located at between 1,300 and 1,540 feet of altitude (400 to 470 m above sea level) with a northeast-side orientation and a slope inclination of around 25%. In fact "Pendents" in Catalan means "Pendientes" in Spanish; In English Inclinations or slopes.
This wine is a stunning portrayal of Priorat's Carinyena grapes. A quiet wine for meditation.
Facts
Annual Production: 750 bottles (ALBAE Wine Club has access to a limited number of 70 annually)
Type: Tinto (Red)
Body: Full
Palate: Dry
Finish: Smooth & Long
Grape Variety: 100% Cariñena (Carinyena in Catalan)
ABV%: 15.5
Winemaker: Antoni Sánchez-Ortiz
Bodega: Perinet
Region: Catalunya, Tarragona
Designation of Origin (DOQ): Priorat
Micro-Climate: Continental with cooling Mediterranean sea breezes, hot summer days & cool nights. 450l average annual rainfall
Elevation: 450 meters above sea level
Age of Vines: 20 years old
Soil: 98% old slate (llicorella) & 2% granite
Viticulture / Farming: Organic Farming - Terroir Driven
Tips
• Drink now or keep for up to 8 years
• Decant at least 30 minutes before serving
• Pairs with Tapas, Manchego or any cheese (cow, goat or sheep), Ibérico ham, Paté or any Spreads, Poultry, Pasta or Pizza, Legumes or Meat, stews, as well as the well known Spanish or Catalan dishes. Also most rice-based dishes but not too spicy.
• Ideal at 15/16 Celsius (Note: if you need to lower the temperature of the wine, do it before decanting it and preferably in iced water for about 8 minutes so it reaches a temperature of about 12 Celsius, which will increase to 15 degrees once decanted and at room temperature)
Terroir
The Priorat, one of only two Spanish wine regions with a DOQ quality designation, lies less than 20 miles from the Mediterranean Sea, which serves as a major stabilizing influence on the grapes grown in its warm, arid climate.
The rugged Montsant massif of Catalonia defines the Priorat both visually and viticulturally. In this unique environment the vines must literally burrow through the crumbled rock in search of water. The Priorat’s dry, rocky soil makes for one of the most challenging landscapes anywhere in the world, but it is that distinctive characteristic that creates such an extraordinary terroir.
Vinification
The Carinyena grapes from Pendents were some of the last fruit harvested at Perinet in 2017, experiencing a long hang time to achieve optimal ripeness. Intense sorting was done before crushing. All lots were cold-soaked for an extended period of 4-5 days before beginning the slow fermentation. Gentle punch downs were performed in 300L barrels and tanks several times a day. Macerations lasted more than 30 days for an optimum flavour and tannin extraction. The free run wine was racked and the skins and stems were gently pressed and then returned to their original maceration barrels for ageing. New French oak barrels were used for 18 months to host the wine before bottling, without fining or filtration.
Winemaker
Toni Sánchez-Ortiz has worked extensively within the context of producing world- class wines; both as a winemaker and as a viticulturist in the renowned appellation of Priorat. Paying tribute to the origins of this region, he has specialized in working with Garnatxa and Carinyena, being awarded best red wine from DO Tarragona during his stint with Cellar La Boella. He has also worked in New Zealand, Australia, California and Germany.
Toni is well known for creating remarkable wines with a unique personality, and a detailed focus of expression on particular varietal and site. He lives with the conviction that great wine results from an intimate knowledge of the land. Which stems from his additional experience in vineyard management and his climate warming thesis as a PhD graduate from Universitat Rovira i Vilgili. Here he spearheaded an extensive project titled Climatic Warming and Grape and Wine Composition in the Priorat DOQ. This research and thesis continues to deepen both his knowledge and his skills as a winemaker. Toni’s creativity and professionalism make his a valuable contribution to the global wine world.
Ratings
9.24 Points - La Guia dels Vins de Catalunya
92 Points - Guía Peñín
92 Points - Wine Spectator
