Negre 2018 – Terroir Sense Fronteres

Dominik Huber & Tatjana Peceric, Head Winemakers of Terroir al Limit and Terroir Sense Fronteres, are the dual leadership behind these wines. The duo has extended its portfolio of highly praised wines from the Priorat region by the neighboring Montsant region. The top vineyard of the new project is in the direct neighborhood of its Les Manyes. Just on the other side of the district. For both wine estates, the three levels of region, village, and grand cru apply, as we know it from Burgundy: bourgogne, village, and grand cru. The Premier Cru is omitted for the time being. In both projects, the aim is to bottle wines that are cool and full of finesse. At Bodega Terroir Sens Fronteres, this has been implemented by removing wooden vessels. Concrete and clay are used. At Terroir al Limit, they have moved from small wooden barrels to barrels over the last 15 years. Here, too, this will be the next step.

Negre is a cuvée of 75 percent Garnacha fina and 25 percent Cariñena from high altitudes in the Montsant region. The vinification takes place gently and without extraction. Whole grape pressing has been established here according to the Burgundian model. Early harvest, like in the neighboring Priorat winery, as well as the renunciation of pigeage or remontage produce fresh and clear, Mediterranean wines.

Brilliant cherry red, bright reflections.

Inevitably, one thinks of the Mediterranean. Black olive and almond blossom, but also black currant, cassis, sour cherries and beetroot. Freshly peeled tangerine and its skin push out. Here and there a nuance of thyme and pine groves.

With a little more air, the Negre develops an intense floral impact. Violets and roses.

On the palate, the 2018 Negre is initially light and slender. The hot, dry climate of the Priorat was wonderfully counteracted here. A delicate, fine-grained tannin accompanies the mouthfeel with a slight bitter tone. However, the fruit is the dominant feature here, with acidity and minerality cleverly stretched out into length. This isn't insanely complex - nor should it be. At no point is the wine heavy or thick, as you might expect from the region. Bright and clear in its aromatics, absolutely silky on the palate. Rather cool seeming and playful like a dancer. A classic Mediterranean red wine, which should be uncomplicated, fruity and animating to drink....

It is recommended to serve the 2018 Negre at around 14°C.