Celler Alimara La Xispa Seleccio 2018, D.O. Terra Alta, Spain

Celler Alimara’s La Xispa Selecció is a distinguished red wine from Terra Alta, Catalonia, Spain. This exceptional blend of Carignan and Grenache grapes is produced exclusively in outstanding vintages, with a limited release of approximately 2,000 bottles per year. The Carignan grapes are sourced from 40-year-old vines at Mas de Cabrera and La Cendrosa near Gandesa, while the Grenache (Garnatxa Negre) comes from 30-year-old vines at Mas de Cabrera. Both varieties are hand-picked and undergo separate fermentations, including a five-day cold soak and fermentation at up to 24°C in stainless steel with regular punchdowns. Malolactic fermentation and nine months of maturation occur in 300-liter French oak barrels, 20% of which are new. The wine is bottled unfiltered.