W.O.W.! Wine of the Week #2!!!
If you haven’t watched W.O.W. Week #1, please do! My wine adventure continues here! Much of the history of the wild grapes we discuss in Week #2 is revealed in last week’s episode! Turning from white to red, the Granatxa Negra (Granache Noir, Grenache, Garancha) driven lusciousness in this week’s Cap de Creus Pla de Gates is anything but tame! Swirling our glasses exposes intense smoky aromas and herbaceous undertones mimic the National Forest flora and fauna where the vines grow. Rustic. Complex. Unusual. Yummy. Yes, count me in for a bottle or more!
Notes from our wine adventure
Note: As with the Pla del Gates Blanc
, this wine is small batch and limited distribution. Check it out at The Holly in Fort Worth, TX or ask your local natural wine shop to source it for you. Online retailers are also a great option! Grab a few bottles and head to the beach to light a bonfire and pop the cork on this beauty!
Pla De Gates Negre
Garnatxa Negra (Grenache Noir) = 100%
ABV 15%
Aromas: Smoky herbs balance ripe dark fruits especially ripe dark berries and plums
Flavor: Ripe brambly blackberry flavors take on an earthy, savory note from herbal, forest floor flavors. Bright acidity shines through as the tannins are mild and not overwhelming. Oak aging has infused a hint of smoke and spice but more a soft nudge instead of a punch. The vines proximity to beachy, salty air sneaks its way into the wine’s flavor – bonfire on the beach anyone?
Winemaking: Organically, naturally grown grapes are hand harvested and de-stemmed. The winemaker, Anna Espelt lets the varietal shine on its own with minimal intervention. Naturally occurring yeast kicks the fermentation process into full swing in oak barrels where the wine takes a 6-9 month nap letting the flavors and aromas of the charred oak interior infuse the wine.
Vineyard: Wild vines, found on a wine adventure, grown in a national park in Spain with minimal vine intervention and absolutely no chemicals, fertilizers, or irrigation.
Price point: upper-30s
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