Trossos Vells 2019

Wine Description for Trossos Vells 2019 by Alfredo Arribas

Colour & Appearance

Sparkling, dark cherry red with impressive depth and brilliance in the glass.

Nose

A fascinating aromatic profile that does not deny its Mediterranean origin. Wild, slightly animalistic notes – a hint of Brett, which gives the wine character without dominating – blend with intense dark fruit: blackberry, sour cherry, cassis and elderberry. Beneath this, earthy accents of beetroot and rosehip, plus the spicy depth of rooibos tea. Fine roasted aromas of coconut and black pepper meet black olives and rosemary – a fragrant portrait of Montsant.

Palate

Alfredo Arribas achieves a small masterpiece here: the wine shows itself dense and concentrated, yet never heavy. Instead, cool, stony minerality and a taut acidity structure dominate, lending contour and elegance to the juicy berry fruit. Almost a bloody character, reminiscent of great Pinots. The tannin is perfectly integrated, silky and delicate. Remarkable is the drinking flow – despite its 14% alcohol, this wine has nothing opulent about it, but remains fresh and lively.

Finish

Long and precise. The berry fruit is increasingly accompanied by a salty minerality, with red fruit tea lingering. The acidity carries far, without ever becoming aggressive.

Terroir & Origin

The grapes come from old Carignan vines in El Masroig in Montsant, a region increasingly known for its cool elegance despite its Mediterranean climate. The stony soils clearly shape the mineral character.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Pure Carignan (Cariñena) from old vines – a prime example of how magnificent this often underrated grape variety can be when treated with respect and skill.

Food Pairing Recommendations

Grilled entrecôte with chimichurri, pan-fried red mullet with beetroot and walnut salad, caramelised carrots with ras el hanout and quinoa. The wine is versatile enough for robust meat, yet elegant enough for characterful fish.

Special Features

A wine that proves that old vine stock and sensitive vinification are more important than international grape varieties. Exceptional value for money for this quality and complexity.