Dolc Mataro 2020 375ml

The Mataro vines, also known as Monastrell or Mouvedre, are located in the amphitheatre of Alta Alella. They grow in sandy, granite soils in a Mediterranean environment, with a direct view of the nearby Mediterranean Sea at 150-300 metres above sea level.

The vines are ripened on the vine. They are harvested shortly before the drying phase. Manual selection and destemming are followed by maceration for six months in steel tanks. At the beginning, the marc is poured over daily, later on weekly.

Gently pressed, the wine matures for another two months in French oak.

Bright, dark cherry red, dense core, light rim

At first, the Dolc Mataro evokes associations with the pre-Christmas season. Stomach bread, speculoos and mulled wine come to mind. Some toasted sourdough bread, fruit bread and gingerbread complement this sensual moment very well. If we break down these thoughts, we are left with wintry spices such as cinnamon, speculoos and star anise, as well as dried fruit in the form of sultanas, dates, figs and plums. A hint of ginger, spicy-sweet honey and roasted chestnuts round this off very successfully. If you give it more time and concentration, it reveals a veritable cornucopia of aromas and spices. Juniper, cardamom and black pepper set dark accents. The fruit density at its core inevitably makes me think of plum jam. Elderberry, blackberry and sweet cherry are also found. Underbrush and a note of roasted nuts finally set the final chord.

On the nose, it absolutely fulfils all expectations. The fruit is not only defined by fullness and concentration, but also sticks to the palate of spice and variety. It is built on a cool base that gives it stability. A touch of acidity provides accents to the fruit sweetness. Above all, however, it exhibits drinking fluency. Dense, compact, texturally similar to a fine honey on the palate, but still with finesse.