La Cartuja 2021 Priorat DOCa (VR)

Item Number: 19142

UPC: 0-810411013816

Country: Spain
Region: Catalunya
Sub Region: Priorat
Appellation/AVA: Priorat DOCa
Estate Grown Wine: Yes
Vintage: 2021
Grape(s): 70% Garnacha / 30% Mazuelo (Cariñena)
Type: Wine - Red
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Pack: 12
Closure: Cork
Alc by Vol(%): 14.5
Viticulture: Certified Carbon Neutral
Soil Type: llicorella (reddish-black slate with small particles of mica quartz)
Elevation: 820 feet

Terroir Notes: Priorat is one of the most prestigious appellations in Spain, revered for its powerfully mineral reds grown in poor soils of decomposed volcanic slate known as llicorella. Among other accolades, Priorat has the status of Denomination de Origen Calificada, the highest tier of quality in the Spanish appellation system. La Cartuja Priorat is sourced from a 24-hectare (59-acre) estate named La Solana ("Les Solanes" in Catalan) in the heart of Priorat, between the towns of El Molar and El Lloar, 2.8 miles southwest of Gratallops. La Solana sits at 820 feet elevation with slopes that have a southeastern exposure. These steep slopes overlook the Siurana River at the bottom of the valley. The llicorella soil imparts Priorat's distinctive mineral and graphite flavors. Priorat's soils are poor in nutrients and have a low pH, which results in brighter, fresher wines. Priorat wines show the characteristics of a cool climate, which lends acidity, and a warm climate, which brings ripe tannins.

Winemaking Notes: The wine undergoes two days of maceration followed by eight days of fermentation and ten days of extended maceration after fermentation. The wine ages for 6 months, half in 225-liter and half in 300-liter French oak barrels.

Tasting Notes: La Cartuja Priorat is made in an approachable style to be enjoyed young while preserving the minerality and explosive blue fruit that is the hallmark of all Priorat reds. Juicy, round and open-knit; a peppery note adds lift and cut to warm blackberry, bitter cherry and licorice pastille flavors. The long, mineral-accented finish shows very good focus and closes on a youthfully tannic note, leaving cherry pit and floral notes behind.

Carbon Neutral Certified Vine to Glass