Tros Negre "Notaria" 2016

The Tros Negre "Notaria" 2016 is a single-varietal Grenache from Montsant, grown in a single vineyard from a single clone. In the glass, a slightly rusty ruby red with violet hints and a faint haze. It first appears reductive, which gives room to its spiciness: earthiness and balsamic nuances, limestone, damp forest floor, undergrowth, along with sage, rosemary and black olive. Assam tea, leather, pepper, juniper and liquorice add depth, before dark cherry, rosehip and blackberry build up with a little patience.

The vineyard lies in Montsant on sandy, limestone-rich soils, at around 230 metres. The vines are 85 years old and planted at a wide density of 1,500 vines per hectare. After years of biodynamic work, the results now show fully, with ripeness turning out more harmonious year after year. Alfredo Arribas, an architect from Barcelona, followed a childhood memory to Priorat in 2001 and today farms over 80 hectares between Priorat and Montsant.

100 percent Grenache. Fermented in steel tank with natural yeasts, then aged for ten months in large used French oak barrels, bottled unfiltered. 13.5% ABV, dry.

Rugged and rustic on entry, the tannin coats the palate. The acidity remains lively and carries the spiciness in which this wine unfolds. The aromas from the nose return in a long, balanced finish, with the terroir leaving a tangible imprint. The wine carries sediment, decanting is essential.

One clone, one vineyard, old vines, no filtration: in the cellar, Alfredo Arribas follows the same principle as at the drawing board — less is more.