2021 Terroir Al Limit Soc. Lda. Terra de Cuques Negre [JS94][V94][WA93+]

Producer: Terroir Al Limit Soc. Lda. 
Region: Priorat, Catalonia, Spain  
Blend: Garnatxa Negra, Carinyena
Year: 2021 

James Suckling, 94 Points 

"Lots of citrus, white pepper and strawberries here with smoked tarragon. Fresh on the palate with a medium to full body that gives way to more fruit in the middle. Fluid, as with the rest of Terroir Al Limit wines, but this comes with a bit more plumpness. A blend of different parcels. Drink now." 

Vinous, 94 Points

"The 2021 Terra de Cuques is a 50-50 blend of Garnatxa and Carinena from Priorat.  Garnet in color, it features aromas of blood orange and grapefruit, with pomegranate, curry and spice hints over an herbal bouquet.  Dry, lean and chalky on the palate, it offers a nimble yet concentrated mouthfeel that contrasts with the wine’s intensity.  This is a modern take on Priorat reds, crafted in a distinctive style." 

Wine Advocate, 93+ Points 

"There is a lot of precision, clarity and focus in the mineral 2021 Terra de Cuques, which has moderate ripeness and a fresher sensation than in the 2019, despite having the same alcohol (13.5%). 2019 could be the modern version of the 2016, with finesse and elegance. This is the first vintage completely without any oak, an important change for them. It opens up nicely with time in the glass, developing a fresh herbal note. 30,068 bottles produced." 

Winemaker Notes: 

"The Terra de Cuques Negre (formerly Vi de Vila Torroja) is Dominik Huber’s “village” wine and among his reds, the only one where he blends Garnatxa Negra with Carinyena. It comes from several vineyards ranging in age from 25–40 years old located around the village of Torroja, which are on primarily classic llicorella soils and a portion of the Garnatxa planted on much scarcer clay-limestone soils. The grapes are harvested by hand and layered, whole-cluster, into a fermentation tank where the grapes’ weight produces just enough juice to begin fermentation. At this point, Dominik lets nature take its course. After a short maceration, the wine is transferred to concrete vats and Stockinger foudres to complete its primary and malolactic fermentations." 

Alcohol: 13.5% 

*Price and availability in store may vary. Vintage date may differ from pictured.