Vèrtebra 2019

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 foudres over the last 15 years. This will be the next step here as well.

Vèrtebra consists of 100 percent Garnacha fina and means swirl. The grapes of the high altitudes in the Montsant region enjoy a great reputation. In contrast to the neighboring Priorat, the vines are not on slate but on clay and gypsum at about 700 meters above sea level. This combination is also known as "argile". The wine is matured gently and without extraction. Whole cluster pressing has been established here following the Burgundian model. Early harvest, as in the neighboring Priorat winery, as well as the renunciation of pigeage or remontage produce fresh and clear, Mediterranean wines.

Sparkling, bright cherry red, light rim

The wines of Dominik Huber and Tatjana Peceric are completely contrary to the image attached to Priorat and Montsant. No over-concentrated powerhouses, but relatively filigree red wines full of finesse and elegance. The 2019 Vèrtebra shows already in the color clearly that extraction is far from him. The fruit is dominated by plums, sour cherries and red currant. One looks for black fruits in vain. A little rosehip and rooibos convey a tea-like character in the best sense. A seductive spice comes gently from liquorice and mint. This delicate charm suits the often lush varietal very, very well. Discreet, floral notes of blue and violet blossoms join in. In terms of style, this can clearly be classified in the direction of Pinot Noir.

At first, the Vèrtebra shines through an exciting, even vibrating taste experience. The different components seem orchestral and only work as a unit. Elegance and finesse clearly dominate the picture. A very fine tannin interacts with a sweet and sour fruit concentration. The perfectly balanced acidity is accompanied by a fine extract sweetness. The linear minerality lends cool elements to the whole. On the palate, the salivation is directly animated and the reach for the second sip is pre-programmed. In the reverberation, the soft fruit with clearly floral notes shows.