"La Rodeda" Velles Vinyes 2018

The "La Rodeda" Velles Vinyes 2018 by Familia Nin Ortiz is a red wine from the Priorat, made almost entirely from around 80-year-old Garnacha Peluda vines. In the glass a deep purple-red; on the nose clear and fresh: first sea lavender, violet and broom, then the fruit with cherry, blackberry and raspberry, ripe and crisp at once, refined with liquorice, a touch of cinnamon and vanilla, as well as tobacco, earth and undergrowth.

La Rodeda measures 0.6 hectares and is listed as its own vineyard on the appellation maps; until 2016 the fruit went into the Mas d'en Caçador. The parcel faces north and sits at around 650 metres, making it one of the highest in the Priorat. Alongside black Llicorella slate, red quartzite is also found here. Ester Nin and Carles Ortiz farm their steep slopes around Porrera biodynamically and plough with mules.

Garnacha Peluda, known in French as Lladoner Pelut, is a distinct red Grenache variant; it is complemented by Carignan. The grapes were harvested on 13.09.2018. After destemming, the grapes were foot-trodden in open fermentation vessels, with fermentation starting naturally. Ageing lasted 19 months in a new French barrique, from which 310 bottles were filled. 14.5% vol., dry.

Freshness and clarity meet depth and substance. The dark, juicy, firm fruit is accompanied by a fine salinity and spice, the tannin is pronounced and typical of Garnacha Peluda. A vibrant, refined wine with a rhythm of its own.

Filet Mignon Extra Gallego with fine salt and pepper, eight-hour lamb braised with dates or vegetarian makloubé with pomegranate, dates, raisins and aubergine.

"Biodynamic since day one" is printed on every cork from Familia Nin Ortiz. The estate is one of the few Spanish members of La Renaissance des Appellations, the association of biodynamic producers founded by Nicolas Joly. La Rodeda is here in its second vintage.