At Roca, Costers de Cornudella, D.O. Montsant, red wine, 0.75l

Awards:
2020 vintage:
93 points - Robert Parker (Wine Advocate)
92–93 points - Peñín
2021 vintage:
91 points - Robert Parker (Wine Advocate)
92 points - Peñín

Grape variety: 100% Garnacha Negra

Vineyard:
The grapes come from vineyards in the Cornudella de Montsant area (D.O. Montsant) in Catalonia. The vineyards are planted at a high altitude of approximately 500–680 m on steep slopes ("costers"). The soils are a combination of limestone, clay and the typical slate (licorella). The vines are old, approximately 20–80 years, and harvesting is done exclusively by hand.

Ageing:
The wine ferments in stainless steel tanks with an extended maceration, to gain structure and aromatic intensity. It then ages for approximately 12 months in 500L French oak barrels and partly also in clay amphorae. This approach combines the gentle influence of wood and amphora with the aim of preserving a pure expression of the fruit and terroir.

Taste and aroma:
The aroma shows notes of red fruit (raspberries, cherries), complemented by spicy and slightly sweet notes (vanilla, gentle spice, cocoa). On the palate the wine is medium-bodied, fresh and juicy, with fine, well-integrated tannins and a long fruity finish.

Tasting notes: The recommended serving temperature is 15–16 °C, so that the wine can best show its aromatic and flavour complexity. Costers de Cornudella Negre pairs especially well with bolder dishes. It goes wonderfully with roast beef, lamb or game, where its juiciness and acidity help balance the richness of the dish. It also works excellently with dishes featuring herbs and spices, for example meat stewed in red wine or Catalan ragout. Thanks to its fruitiness and fine tannins, it also pairs well with mature hard cheeses, where it enhances their intensity without overpowering them.

Alcohol content: 13.5%

Origin: Spain, D.O. Montsant (Catalonia)