La Fosca is the Priorat cuvée from Proyecto Garnachas, the wine collection with which Vintae brings special old Spanish vineyards back into the spotlight. The Mediterranean character of this Catalan region is given a wonderfully refined expression here: fruity richness, mineral depth, and a lively structure that beautifully balances its powerful taste.
The grapes come from the mountainous area around El Molar, within the DOQ Priorat in the Catalan province of Tarragona.
-
Location / Origin: The plots are situated on hillsides and man-made terraces. This steep landscape requires labor-intensive viticulture and makes the individual vineyards highly dependent on their specific location.
-
Altitude: The selected vineyards are located between 300 and 400 m above sea level.
-
Soil: Dark slate, known locally as llicorella, forms the characteristic subsoil. This poor, stony soil retains little water and limits the natural vigor of the vines.
-
Vineyard: The plantings consist of vines over 60 years old, sourced from the area's historic terraced vineyards.
Controlled extraction and aging in used oak provide the fruit with structure and a refined spicy frame.
-
Harvest & Selection: The grapes are harvested by hand, usually during the last days of September and the first days of October.
-
Fermentation: The must ferments in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature below 28 °C. During 2 weeks of skin contact, color, aromas, and tannins are extracted, allowing the wine to develop its full flavor and supportive structure.
-
Aging / Oak maturation: The wine ages for 10 months in French oak barrels that are used for the 2nd or 3rd time. These barrels support the rounding of the tannins and provide a subtle influence of wood, leaving plenty of room for fruit expression.
Garnacha makes up the largest share of the blend and is supplemented by small amounts of Cariñena, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
-
Garnacha – Priorat: Determines the juicy fruit expression and gives the wine its generous, Mediterranean character.
-
Cariñena – Priorat: Supports the color, structure, and fresh acidity, giving the blend extra tension.
-
Merlot – Priorat: Brings roundness and suppleness to the mouthfeel.
-
Cabernet Sauvignon – Priorat: Adds tannin grip and length, and strengthens the backbone of the wine.
