Dits del Terra 2022

A medium-bodied Carignan that shows density without ever becoming heavy: fine-grained phenolics, integrated acidity, transparent red fruit. The signature of Dominik Huber and Tatjana Peceric lies precisely in this lightness, achieved on steep south-facing slopes in a dry climate.

Torroja del Priorat, 400 metres of elevation, steep south-facing slate slopes. The sparse soils and dry climate keep yields low and concentration high. Dominik Huber founded the winery in 2004 together with winemaker Eben Sadie, who left the project in 2012; today Huber runs it with winemaker Tatjana Peceric. The 15 hectares are farmed organically and biodynamically, with early harvesting supported by biodynamic preparations in the vineyard.

Pure Carignan from vines over 60 years old, hand-harvested. The berries remain whole and ferment as whole clusters for seven to ten days, without punching down, as has been practised in the cellar since 2009. This is followed by eight months of ageing in cement.

The nose shows rich, clearly defined fruit: dark cherries, elderberries, bitter dark chocolate and mild spices, with an ethereal, balsamic top note of wild fennel and star anise. The palate is tight, dense and firm, silky in texture, with lively tart red fruit framed by bitter dark chocolate. The acidity stays integrated, the finish fruity and tart, with the fruit returning retronasally in the aftertaste.

With rack of lamb with Provençal herbs, with braised aubergine with tomatoes and olives, or with an aged Manchego that picks up the wine's tart side.

Infusion rather than extraction: unbroken berries, no pump-overs across the cap, no stirring. The Dits del Terra is one of the single-vineyard selections within the estate's Burgundian-inspired hierarchy, 13.5% vol., dry.