Serrat de la Plane Côtes des Catalanes 2017

Wine Description for Serrat de la Plane Côtes des Catalanes 2017 by Georg Meissner

Colour & Appearance

Luminous garnet red with subtle purple reflections, indicating the vitality of this wine.

Nose

After two unfiltered vintages, the 2017 shows itself lightly filtered and sulphited again – with noticeable effects on the aromatic profile. The nose presents itself dark berry and seductive: blackberries with a sweet core, black cherries, undergrowth and the typical garrigue herbs of Roussillon. A hint of pencil shavings lends additional complexity to the bouquet. Overall, the wine appears remarkably mature and inviting.

Palate

On the palate, the Grenache unfolds in all its splendour: silky soft and simultaneously structured and elegant. The opulent fruit is carried by a vibrant acidity that makes the wine juicy to the max. Powerful, deep and equipped with gripping tannins, this wine displays a fascinating balance between opulence and finesse. The temptation to drink it more quickly than the label suggests is quite real.

Finish

Long-lasting with dark fruit and mineral notes that recall the stony subsoil.

Terroir & Origin

The name Serrat de la Plane – Catalan for stony plateau – precisely describes the extreme location of this vineyard. The old Grenache vines stand on dry, stony gneiss weathered soil, exposed to the wind. Georg Meissner rescued these vineyards, originally earmarked for grubbing up, with great commitment. The barren conditions result in minimal yields of only 9 hl/ha – pure concentration.

Food Pairing Recommendations

The power and elegance of this wine harmonises beautifully with Peking duck, cod with chickpeas, almonds and pimentón or pan-fried Morcilla de Burgos on creamy celery soup. Generally an ideal companion to spicy meat dishes and hearty stews.

Special Features

A wine from rescued vines that bears the hallmark of a committed winemaker. The deliberate return to minimal filtration and sulphiting in the 2017 vintage demonstrates Georg Meissner’s ability to respond flexibly to vintage conditions.