Besides Priorat, there is another Catalan region that produces world-class Carignan wines; namely, Empordà, on the northeastern part of Catalonia, a stone's throw away from the French border.
Made by bodega Massís de l'Albera, this Spanish red wine is sourced from old Samsó vineyards - Samsó is the local name of Carignan in the DO Empordà - situated in the villages of Vilamaniscle and Rabós. The vines are grown in very poor slate soils.
The grapes were handpicked fully ripe and then this red wine from L'Empordà was fermented in stainless steel tanks under controlled temperature with a long maceration to extract color and tannin.
After that, this varietal Samsó was transferred into new French oak barrels, where it was aged for 24 months.
Bottled after a gentle filtration, the red wine Atrapasomnis 2019 was cellared for no less than 3 years before its commercial release.
This Crianza red wine needs some serious food to fully shine. Pair with hearty stews and game dishes.
Decant 1 hour before drinking.
More Information
More Information
Appearance
The red wine Atrapasomnis is deep purple with some cherry coloured reflections.
Nose
This varietal old vine Carignan has impressive depth and complexity, showcasing blueberry pie, blackberry jam and plum, notes of spice, bitter cocoa and Arabica coffee and intimations of Mediterranean garrigue and blue flowers.
Palate
Sinewy and profound, conveying an unmistakable sense of place, with remarkable balance, polished tannins and a steely acidity carrying the weight. This wine by bodega Massís de l'Albera has a very long finish with notes of dark slate and chocolate.
Our personal opinion
The wine Atrapasomnis 2019 is a stupendous Catalan Carignan from the Empordà region.
Year
2019
Type
Red
D.O.
Empordà
Bottle size
75 cl
Percentage of Alcohol
13.5
Serving tempurature
15-17ºC
Should this wine be decanted?
40-60 minutes before serving
Does this wine follow the guidelines of biodynamic Farming?
No
Organic
No
Is this product free of sulfites?
No
Vegan
No
Ageing
Crianza
Type of ageing
Months in French oak barrels
Number of months aged in Barrels
24
Enterwine's Score
93
Mono-Varietal
Samsó
Pairings
Civet, Cow´s cheese, Cured cheeses, Game animals, Red meat with gravy, Roasted foods, Roasted red meats, Sheep´s cheese, Specialty Spanish prosciutto , Stews, Stuffed Chicken
Taste
Complex and Elegant, Tasty with barrel notes, Very intense and inky
Occasion
Business dinner, Dinner with friends, Romantic Dinner, To bring to an engagement
