Camí Pesseroles 2015

They have aged a substantial part of the Cariñena in glass demijohns since 2015, and from 2017 they have started experimenting with some chestnut barrels. So, this 2015 Camí Pesseroles shows a new profile that might have helped to provide freshness, and it avoids some volatility that occurs when the vintages are very warm as well as the mineral and iron-like part of the wine. This always has a very low pH, but in this ripe year, there is very good balance. The tannins are very fine and there is good harmony, with integrated acidity. Only 1,500 bottles were produced in 2015, and there will be even less in 2016.

In contrast to its Clos Martinet, Mas Martinet’s Camí Pesseroles is from mostly old Carinyena vines of almost 100 years old, with 40% similarly aged Garnatxa too, grown in three tiny vineyards midway between Gratallops and Porrera. It’s fresh, pure and vivacious in aroma, with a sweetness closer to spring sap or green malt than the vanillins derived from oak, or indeed the rich fruit sweetness of ripe Grenache. It shares an intricacy and a finesse with Mas Martinet, and there is suddenly a fruited power on the palate which was veiled in the aromas. This wine’s combination of tenderness, richness and vivacity is remarkable; and its multi-layered qualities sustain the long finish.