Arbossar 2022

The wine's story:

Arbossar is a steep, north-facing 1.6-hectare slope near the village of Torroja, where Carinyena planted in 1910 grows at about 400 metres on slate and granite. The north-facing slope gets less direct sun, which helps slow ripening in Priorat's hot climate. 4,488 bottles were made in 2022, bottled in May 2023.

Terroir al Límit is the work of the German winemaker Dominik Huber and the South African Eben Sadie, who made their first wine together, Dits del Terra, in 2001; the winery is in Torroja del Priorat. Today the estate is run by Huber and head winemaker Tatjana Peceric. The vineyards are certified organic (CCPAE) and farmed biodynamically. The winemaking favours whole bunches and gentle skin contact; there is no vigorous punching down or pumping over – the aim is to avoid over-extraction.

Winemaking:

100% Carinyena. Whole bunches fermented with native yeasts, and the wine aged for 8 months in concrete, without oak.

Tasting notes:

A characterful Carinyena with fine tannins. Luis Gutiérrez (Wine Advocate) finds a very Carinyena character with a rustic side, very fine tannins and a balanced palate. Zekun Shuai of James Suckling calls it an elegant, dialled-back rendition from a warm vintage, noting ripe blueberries, slate, graphite and dried roses. Tim Atkin says Arbossar rode the heat of 2022 brilliantly.

Food pairing:

Grilled rack of lamb – Carinyena's acidity and fine tannins suit lamb. Duck breast; wild mushrooms; aged sheep's cheese.

Ratings & accolades:

Tim Atkin – 96/100

Wine Advocate – 95/100

James Suckling – 95/100