292/365 – Catalonia – D.O. Emporda – Garriguella – Celler Mas Llunes – Emporion 2006
Samba para Vinicius……..,
Emporion 2006, 72% Cabernet Sauvignon and 28% Syrah
Garnet colour, lovely depth, quite dense and dark. Intense aroma of balsamic and spices, mature fruits of the forest, red mature fruits, the oak is very well-integrated. Some raspberry. On the palate it is tasty, powerful, round and full bodied, well constructed, elegant and balanced. First taste reminded me of milk chocolate. The tannins are ripe and the after taste is long and fruity. A red favorite from the Emporda!
Emporion is the name of the oldest Greek colony, founded by the Phoenicians, now called Ampuries, where we can find the oldest viticulture references regarding the wines on the Iberian Peninsula, dating back to VI century BC and this is where the name Emporda derives from, which indentifies the region and the ‘Denominacion de Origen’, the appellation of Emporda. The winged horse, Pegasus, identified Emporion with the coin (dracmas) which were minted in the colony during the Greek period and subsequently by the Romans.
On the edge of the mountain range of the Albera, in undulating hills, rows of vines grow through pine, oak forests and some olive trees, forming a tapestry of changing colors every season, framing the blue Mediterranean sea and the white mountains of Canigó. This is where the wines of Mas Llunes are born, wines with a noticeable Ampurdanés character, modern and respectful with a family winemaking tradition of over 700 years, moving this generous and captivating nature to the bottle and the glass.
The name derives from the name of the vineyards and as the property was acquired, the new owners didn’t want to change the name. The winery itself was built during the turn of the millennium, equipped with a modern winemaking system. The 48 hectares of vineyard produce around 200.000 Kg of grapes, which is all vinified in the cellar.
The constructed surface is 1.260 square meters and the capacity of the vessels is 3.600 hl. The ageing cellar, with more than 200 French oak barrels, is located underground, this way the wine in kept and stabilized a good temperature all year.
The landscape is harsh and irregular, caressed by a strong north wind called Tramuntana. The Mediterranean climate clearly presents conditions suited for growing vine. Past generations have created the legacy for the wine making culture here, making this area a sight for those who decide to visit.
Rhodes 2008, 72% Samsó and 28% Syrah
Rhodes, the current town of Roses was founded in the VIII century BC by the ‘Rodios,’ and it is the most ancient Greek colony in Catalonia. It ia also highly probably that the range Serres Prelitorals of Rodes and the Albera form the most ancient vine-growing landscape of the Iberian Peninsula. The rose that decorates the label, is the symbol of Rhodes on the ancient coins (drachmas) of the colony.
Purple colour. Powerful aroma of ripe red fruit, licorice, cocoa and species. On the palate it is fresh, balanced, tasty with character and personality. A good accompaniment for both red and white meats, game, sausages, cured cheeses, vegetable stews and rice dishes.
92 to go!
Catalan Wine 365 and the SweetEasy Wine Tours
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