Terra Vermella de Nin 2017

Wine description for Terra Vermella de Nin 2017 from Familia Nin Ortiz

Colour & appearance

Light to medium straw yellow - remarkably bright for a mutation with pink-coloured grape skin.

Nose

Initially closed and reductive with Firecracker, Sulphur woods and one Petrol note, reminiscent of Burgundian grandeur. With air, a fascinating interplay of flavours unfolds: Salt lemons, Limequats, Lemongrass and Tahiniunderlaid by Petrichor and mineral stone. Independent, complex, demanding.

Palate

Surprisingly accessible and fleshier than the nose suggests. Juicy fruit on the light yellow to green spectrum, interspersed with Salty notes. The reductive component remains present, plus a lot of Stone, Zests, tart herbs, white and yellow flowers, Pollen. Echoes of wild fennel and Ginger. The fresh acidity (6.5 g/l at 2.8 pH) gives the wine enormous tension and pure energy despite its fullness.

Departure

Long, mineral, with persistent freshness and salty precision.

Terroir & origin

From one hectare Parellada Montonegra 550 metres above sea level in the Old-Penedès, Pla de Manlleu. The 37-year-old vineyard is cultivated by Jaume Nin Llort. The name refers to the characteristic red clay soil (terra vermella) of the location.

Grape variety & vinification

Parellada Montonegra - an extremely rare pink-coloured mutation of the Parellada cava variety. Gentle crushing, 24 hours standing time, slow pressing, spontaneous fermentation and expansion in 300 litre drums. Despite the warm vintage, only 12% alcohol - proof of the altitude and the skill of the Nin family.

Food pairing suggestions

Bacalhau à Brás, Eggplant caviar with cod and lentils, Tomapork Dry Aged from Schwäbisch-Hällisch with fennel salad. The wine loves salty, herbal-spicy flavours and the texture of fish or white meat.

Special features

A rediscovery of Catalan wine culture: Nin Ortiz are specialists in forgotten varieties such as Carignan blanc and now this rare Parellada mutation. A wine of impressive originality that rewards patience and shows that Parellada can do far more than a basic Cava wine.