Terroir al Limit | Priorat | Arbossar | 2021 | 750ml

Beschreibung

Product description for Terroir al Limit Arbossar 2021

Info

2021 was a hot and dry year, even in Priorat. But Dominik Huber’s team was repeatedly surprised by rainfall right at harvest time. Rainfall followed every three to four days, presenting them with major challenges. Access to the extreme vineyards became increasingly dangerous and problematic. Nobody wants moisture in their grapes. Accordingly, the selection process was essential. The result was very low alcohol levels, just barely reaching the lower limit of the DOCa regulations of 13.5% alcohol. The usefulness of this rule should be questioned in general. In addition, Dominik Huber has solemnly banned “wood” completely in 2021. Only neutral foudres and concrete are used. Arbossar is based on 100% Carignan. The vineyard is located approximately 500 meters from the village of Torroja del Priorat. The vines are completely north-facing and, among the two Premier Crus, Arbossar and Dits del Terra, provide a noticeably cooler impression. The area covers 1.6 hectares. Many of the vines date back to plantings dating back to 1910. Arbossar thrives on the contrasts of sun, shade, and wind. The site is extremely steep, lying at an altitude of almost 400 meters. Whole-grape fermentation and aging on the full lees in cement lasts approximately eight months.

Colour

Strikingly light and delicate cherry red (for a Priorato), luminous and with light edges.

Nose

At its core, Arbossar still reveals its dark past. By dark, I mean the aromas and by no means a past that wouldn’t have been worth pursuing closely and drinking. You can still detect notes of tar, car tires, and darkest fruit in the background. But today it sings loudly and brightly on the big stage. Instead of blackberry, it reveals raspberry. The cherries are sour and no longer sweet in 2021. It demonstrates radiance, depth, and grandeur. A very mature wine. Thyme, green olives, and pine nuts exude its Mediterranean origins. But one also detects earthy-sweet, thinly sliced beetroot. A hint of almond blossom and hibiscus lends it a vibrant, floral elegance.

Palate

This transformation is immediately evident with the first sip. It’s fantastic to see how the duo Tatjana Peceric and Dominik Huber have perfected their path and style. What freshness and lightness it can exude. At the same time, it is full of aromas and has enormous depth. Silky, cool, and elegant, it flows across the palate. The fruit follows a common thread, formed by its present acidity. Only a fine tannin accompanies it in perfect balance. The spice now fully comes through. Kaffir lime leaves, along with olive trees and beetroot, characterize the finish. Mediterranean components of thyme, rosemary, and pine waft gently in the background.

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Keywords: Terroir al Limit Arbossar 2021 Priorat Spain

Wine Advocate

Score: 95

The 2021 Arbossar matured exclusively in concrete, and they also shortened the élevage because they saw that a longer élevage tired the wines a little too much and decided to bottle them before the following harvest. The wine is clean and precise, like a laser cut, with focus and red rather than black fruit. It’s medium-bodied, has moderate alcohol, 13.5%, and very fine tannins. A surprisingly elegant Cariñena. This is a cool vineyard that delivers serious wines. 4,266 bottles were filled in July 2022.
Luis Gutiérrez

Vinous

Score: 96

The 2021 Arbossar, 100% Cariñena from Torraja del Priorat, is not particularly aromatic. Instead, it emphasizes an ethereal and refreshing mouthfeel. The nose offers subtle notes of white fruit, pomegranate and undergrowth. Dry, lean and chalky on the palate, it has a textured and energetic flow, leading to a loose yet nuanced finish. The wine’s style shines through, leaving a lingering, pristine vinous character. This is a modern take on Priorat.
— Joaquín Hidalgo
Drinking window: 2025 – 2036
Review date: Nov 2024

Producer website: https://terroir-al-limit.com/