What makes this wine unique?

This wine is made by the fourth generation of the Piñol family. This wine is made from grapes that are organically grown. Less than 3,500 cases are produced for the world. Made from vines that are traditionally head pruned, dry farmed (no irrigation), and grown in limestone soil. The vineyards are located within Batea, a town at 366 meters (1,200 ft.) elevation, 65 meters (213 ft.) higher than the village of Gratallops, situated at 301 meters (987 ft.) elevation, in the neighboring wine region of Priorat.

Rating history:

Grape:

50% Garnacha, 20% Cariñena, 10% Merlot, 10% Syrah and 10% Tempranillo.

Pairing Suggestions:

This wine’s ripe, sweet and juicy character is easy to drink and very easy to pair with foods. Most casual American fare (burgers, wrap sandwiches, burritos) and spicier foods with a Latin American influence will match very well, as well as hard cheeses like aged Manchego.

Vinification and ageing:

The grapes are brought to the winery in the early morning hours before being de-stemmed and crushed. Prior to fermentation, the must is macerated at cool temperature (43°F) for four days in large tanks of 5,000-10,000 liter capacity. Fermentation starts utilizing neutral yeasts from Levuline (used mostly in Champagne) and the skins mix with the juice for 22-28 days. Malolactic fermentation takes place in stainless steel tank. The wine is aged for six months in 300-liter French, American and Hungarian oak barrels.

Production:

3,050 cases are made; 1,500 for the U.S.

Location, Soil, Climate:

The vineyards are located a few miles south and west of Priorat, within the Terra Alta DO (Zone 5) in Catalunya’s Tarragona province in northeastern Spain. In this remote region, the winemaking tradition dates back to the Romans, around the 2nd or 3rd Century. The winery and vineyards are in the town of Batea, situated at 356 meters (1,168 ft.) elevation. The soils are composed of 95% limestone and 5% clay. Yields are low (24.5 hectoliters per hectare, or 3,500 kilograms per hectare), which enhances concentration and complexity in the grapes. The vineyards are organically farmed and certified by CCPAE. For climate, the average temperature from April-October is 67.3ºF. The hot day and warm-to-moderate night temperatures make Terra Alta a drier and warmer region than Montsant or Priorat. These conditions produce bright purplish-garnet hued wines with greater weight and ripeness than wines from other areas within Zone 5. The low average yearly rainfall of 16.3 inches is less than neighboring regions.

Tasting notes:

Portal Red is dark ruby-colored, the nose exhibits earth notes, cedar, tobacco, cassis, cherry, and blackberry. Ripe and sweet on the palate, licorice, dried herbs and mineral notes make an appearance leading to a lengthy, pure, fruit-filled finish. Drink this tasty effort over the next four years.

Alcohol Content:

14.0%

UPC Code:

810411010624