Tasting Notes
Crafted by winemaker Jose Mas Barberà, the 2023 Costers del Priorat "Pissarres" is a vibrant and terroir-forward red wine from the Priorat DOQ in Catalonia, Spain. The wine's name is derived from pizarra, the Spanish word for the unique, decomposed llicorella slate soils that give the region its distinct mineral character. The 2023 vintage features a traditional blend composed of 60% Garnatxa Negra (Grenache) and 40% Samsó (Cariñena / Carignan).
On the nose, the 2023 vintage opens with an aromatic profile of ripe black fruit, dark plums, and wild blackberries, tightly interwoven with lifted notes of violet, dried rose petals, and field herbs like rosemary and thyme. The palate is energetic, juicy, and complex, showcasing dark cherry and plum flavours balanced by a refreshing, cold mineral vein and an undercurrent of forest floor and dark chocolate. Despite coming from a warm, dry growing season that brings an alcoholic lift (14.5% ABV), the wine retains superb acidity and structural elegance. It concludes with fine, chalky tannins and a lingering finish marked by savory, crushed-stone minerality and cracked pepper.
The versatile character and bright freshness of this Priorat make it an excellent companion for a wide variety of dishes. It pairs exceptionally well with grilled and roasted meats such as lamb, beef burgers, sausages, and blood sausage, where the wine's firm tannin structure cuts through the rich fats. It is equally well-suited for tomato-sauced pasta dishes, savory pepper stews, and wood-fired pizzas. For simpler culinary pairings, the wine beautifully complements cured meats, smoked charcuterie, and aged cheeses. For a traditional local touch, it can even be enjoyed alongside simple toasted rustic bread drizzled with high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
750ml
