# La Garnatxa Fosca del Priorat (2019)

- **Producer:** Vintae
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Garnacha Tinta
- **Region:** Catalonia, Spain
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €18
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, plum, strawberry, blackberry, cedar, toast, smoke

## About this wine

La Garnatxa Fosca del Priorat is crafted by Vintae as part of the Proyecto Garnachas de España, an initiative spearheaded by winemaker Raúl Acha to restore and celebrate Spain's ancient Garnacha vineyards. Sourced from 60-year-old bush vines planted on steep slate terraces in El Molar, the estate highlights the unique Mediterranean climate and intense mineral expression characteristic of the D.O.Q. Priorat region.

## Interesting facts

- Created as part of Proyecto Garnachas de España to save ancient, neglected Garnacha vines.
- Harvested from 60-year-old bush vines grown on steep slate terraces called llicorella.
- The 2019 vintage endured an extreme heatwave in June that scorched parts of the vineyard before recovering.

## Food pairing

The high fruit intensity, rich body, and fresh acidity of this Garnacha complement hearty, rich protein dishes and savory umami flavors. Its balanced tannins cut cleanly through cooked meats and firm cheeses without overpowering the food or leaving a harsh finish.

## Wine making process

Grapes were hand-harvested in late September 2019 following a dry, warm growing season. The fruit underwent a two-week maceration and fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats below 28°C. Following fermentation, the wine was aged for 10 months in a combination of new, second-use, and third-use French oak barrels to balance oak integration with pure fruit character.