El Mas de l’A. Lo Noir 2021

Wine Description for El Mas de l’A. Lo Noir 2021 by Portal del Priorat

Colour & Appearance

Luminous, saturated cherry red with delicate violet reflections – a visual promise of freshness and vibrancy.

Nose

Initially marked by distinctive reduction, which transforms into pure beauty after aeration (ideally decanted). Sour cherry dominates – juicy and crisp – accompanied by sloe and elderberry with their characteristic almond nuance. The ethereal component impresses: juniper, rosemary and pine needles convey cool finesse and a fascinating aromatic contrast.

Palate

Surprisingly substantial despite its lean structure. The silky texture reveals remarkable elegance, whilst fine, present tannins build structure alongside the fruit. The spicy elements – undergrowth, cigar box, pepper – dominate over the restrained fruit and define the purist character of this unusual Priorat wine.

Finish

Lingering spicy-ethereal with the reductive raciness that characterises the entire wine. The mineral freshness remains remarkably present.

Terroir & Origin

The vines thrive on calcareous soil at 500 metres altitude – an unusual combination for Priorat that lends this wine its cool finesse and sets it distinctly apart from the powerful, concentrated standard wines of the region.

Grape Variety & Vinification

A daring blend of Pinot Noir – a rarity here – and Grenache Noir. Alfredo Arribas‘ dream of absolute finesse without loss of intensity manifests itself in the vinification: spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel and large French oak barrels (500-600l), early blending of separately fermented lots for optimal integration, followed by 12 months maturation in the same barrels.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Grilled Wagyu flank steak with thick beans, roasted lamb leg with braised pumpkin and blackberry or vegetarian with beetroot with Greek yoghurt and pistachio cream with dill.

Special Features

A wine that deliberately swims against the current – purist, reductive, finesse-focused rather than power-driven. Definitely decant!