This is sourced from sandy soils, but it’s another single vineyard, old vine Cariñena. Richer, denser and more oxidative in style, this is figgy and slightly dry with a balsamic undertone. More tannic, too.
Wine Type: Red
2012 Cooperatiu Agricola Garriguella, Gerisena Selecció, Emporda, EmpordÃ
( €11, 145% )Vibrant, youthful, aromatic blend of Cabernet, Merlot and Grenache with the emphasis on juicy fruit flavours of red cherry and plum rather than oak. The wine carries its alcohol with ease, thanks to the fresh acidity here.
2009 Castillo Perelada, Finca Espolla, Empordà , EmpordÃ
( €14, 14% )Combining Syrah and Monastrella (Mourvèdre), this is made in a modern style. There’s a marked minty note on the nose and palate (almost eucalyptus) that adds another dimension to the spicy, blackberry fruit.
2009 Castillo Perelada, Finca Malaveïna, Empordà , EmpordÃ
( €20, 14% )Blending Mediterranean and Bordeaux varieties to good effect, this is an ambitious, savoury, concentrated red with sturdy tannins, marked oak and youthful, intense, blackberry and mulberry fruit.
2006 Castillo Perelada, Finca Garbet, Empordà , EmpordÃ
( €100 , 14.5% )The most photographed vineyard in Catalunya (and one of the most ambitiously priced), this is minty, herbal and surprisingly youthful for a 2006. Syrah with a little Cabernet Sauvignon, showing lots of oak, sweet fruit and a firm finish. An ambitious wine that should age further in bottle.
2009 Oliveda, Finca Furot, Emporda, EmpordÃ
( €6, 13% )A pure Cariñena from slate soils located at altitude, this is showing some development in the glass. It’s a little rustic perhaps, but there’s some attractive oak sweetness here, bright acidity, firmish tannins and plenty of fruit.
2009 Celler Cooperatiu Espolla, Clos de les Dòmines, Empordà , EmpordÃ
( €10, 14.5% )Grassy, concentrated blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cariñena from an ambitious co-operative. The tannins are a tad firm, but this is a serious, cassis-scented red with fresh acidity and a hint of greenness.
2011 Terra Remota, Camino, Empordà , EmpordÃ
( €15, 14% )A stylish, well-balanced blend of Grenache, Syrah, Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon couched in an international style. Aromatic, raspberry and bramble fruit with sweet vanilla oak, bright acidity and smooth tannins.
2009 Terra Remota, Usted, Empordà , EmpordÃ
( €100, 15% )Very serious, very ambitious, but so it should be at the price. This blend of Syrah and Grenache shows flavours of sweet red fruits, vanilla spice and liquorice with stylish, smooth tannins, superb balance and a slightly dry finish.
2012 Clos de les Dòmines Reserva, Celler Cooperatiu Espolla, Emporda, EmpordÃ
( €9, 13.5% )An oak-fermented blend of Ganatxa Blanca, Cariñena Blanca and Muscat from one of the region’s better co-ops. The oak is quite assertive here, with some marmalade-like notes from the Muscat and a bitter finish.
2012 Nivia, Mas Llunes, Emporda, EmpordÃ
( €7.50, 13.5% )A pure Garnatxa Blanca that is still showing its oaky shell. Savoury/sweet with assertive, toasty oak and some bitterness. Decently made, but the oak seems a little too intrusive, at least for now.
2012 Finca La Garriga, Castillo Perelada, Emporda, EmpordÃ
( €17.50, 13.5% )A varietal Cariñena Blanca fermented in acacia barrels (no less), this is a rich and ambitious wine made in a traditional, almost white Rioja style. Nutty and toasty, with concentrated, oxidative flavours of honey and spice sustained by acidity.