Terra de Cuques negre 2021

A lean, elegant red wine from Priorat that favours clarity over density: fresh primary aromas, fine tannins, a juicy acidity. Dry, 13.5% vol.

The grapes come from various vineyards at around 400 metres of altitude, predominantly on slate soils, with a certain clay component in places. Dominik Huber founded the estate in 2004 in Torroja del Priorat; today he runs it together with winemaker Tatjana Peceric, who is responsible for the vineyards and winemaking. The 15 hectares are farmed organically and biodynamically. To counter the hot summers, Huber uses biodynamic preparations in the vineyard and one of the earliest harvests in the region.

An equal blend of Garnacha and Cariñena. Since 2009, Terroir al Limit has worked with whole-bunch infusion: the berries remain whole, they are not crushed, there is no pump-over of the cap, and pigeage is no longer practised. The wine is aged in stainless steel and concrete — for its red wines, the estate has done away with oak entirely, so that primary aromas and terroir can express themselves unadulterated.

Ruby red and transparent in the glass, with a clear, inviting nose: floral and herbal notes, dark and red fruit, underlaid by earthy minerality. Then a texture between silky and velvety, fresh and fleshy, with liquorice and a touch of bitterness on the finish that adds to its complexity. Mineral grip, good balance, lovely length.

The Terra de Cuques is the estate's village wine: juicy, direct, immediately approachable. Its style follows the principle of infusion rather than extraction.