Scala dei Prior 2014

"The entry level red 2014 Prior is a blend of Garnacha with some 15% Cariñena, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Syrah from a diversity of vineyards, mixing grapes from slate soils and higher altitude soils where there's more clay. The grapes from higher altitude on clay and limestone soils are fermented with full clusters in cement vats, while the grapes from slate, usually lower down, were destemmed and fermented in stainless steel, all of them with indigenous yeasts. The wine matured in a mixture of 225- and 500-liter oak barrels for one year. The fruit is in the foreground and the oak adds a layer of spices and smoke that make it quite attractive in an easy-to-understand way. The palate shows some sour cherry flavors with something bittersweet, fine tannins and good freshness. There are 51,000 bottles produced."