Planella 2023Darmós, Tarragona, Southern CataloniaDO: MontsantVarietals: Garnacha, CariñenaProducer: Joan d'Anguera The Vibe Same producer as Altaroses, same north-facing slopes in DO Montsant, but where that wine is pure Garnacha, Planella brings a heavy dose of Cariñena into the blend. The combination is deliberate: Garnacha supplies the bright fruit and drinkability, while Cariñena provides the structure and spine. This isn't a wine chasing ripeness or extraction—it's built for balance in a region that sees less than 300mm of rain annually. The old vines and chalky limestone soils do the heavy lifting, and the hands-off, whole-cluster winemaking preserves the terroir's natural freshness. The Taste Dark cherry and red plum with earthy, herbal undertones—thyme, rosemary, and a hint of graphite directly driven by the stem inclusion. The Cariñena shows up as grip and backbone without overwhelming the fruit. There's tension here, with a vibrant acidity that keeps the wine from feeling soft despite the warmth of the vintage. The tannins are fine-grained, integrated after 12 to 14 months in old French oak that adds texture without imposing flavor. The finish is dry, mineral, with a faint salinity that lingers. Structured but not heavy. The Story Joan d'Anguera farms their bush-trained Cariñena and Garnacha on chalky sand and limestone between 60 and 150 meters in elevation. The vines range from 20 to over 70 years old, dry-farmed in one of Catalonia's driest zones. Yields sit at a naturally low 2,000 kg/ha. Hand-harvested from late September through October, the grapes are fermented 100% whole-cluster in concrete vats with indigenous yeasts, then moved to barrel in December for natural cold settling through the winter. Certified Demeter biodynamic and organic by CCPAE. Bottled July 2025. 25 cases available. Best Enjoyed With: Serve at 14–16°C. Pairs well with slow-cooked meats, aged or semi-aged cheeses, and mushroom or roasted vegetable dishes. Also works alongside rich fish like tuna or cod with a tomato or roasted pepper sauce. Shipping & Delivery: For details on shipping times and costs, please visit our Shipping & Delivery page.
