The Ludovicus Tinto, another great Garnacha!
100% organically grown Garnacha from Terra Alta, Catalonia, Spain. The wine spends 4 months in 300-Liter French and American oak barrels.
The Ludovicus Tinto has an SRP of $15 and is available for as low as $10. 9,000 cases produced. Imported by Ole Imports. Sample submitted for review.
From the bottle:
This easy-drinking succulent red with notes of cherry and blackberry pairs versatilely with meat main courses or casual tapas. Produced from vines located in Terra Alta (Zone 5) at 356m (1,168') elevation, growing in limestone soil. Average temp, during the April-October growing season is 19.6C (67.3F); annual rainfall: 414mm (16.3"). Aged in French and American oak barrels for 4 months.
14% Alcohol
We're huge fans of Spanish Garnacha here at Reverse Wine Snob; in fact, it's probably the region/variety combination that we recommend most to family and friends. And as we found a few weeks ago in our review of a Garnacha from Navarra, great examples come from all over Spain.
We prove that once again today with the Ludovicus Tinto from Terra Alta, the most southerly wine region in Catalonia. 45 minutes south of Barcelona, in the mountains of Tarragona, this high elevation (Terra Alta means "high land" in Catalan) region next to the Priorat is full of the limestone soils that Garnacha vines love.
The 2012 Ludovicus Tinto begins with a really big, beautiful aroma full of perfumed floral notes; ripe, dark berries; and nice touches of anise and other spices. Taking a sip reveals a smooth, juicy and delicious wine. The floral notes from the nose continue but you also find strawberry and licorice when tasting along with a bit of an oaky undertone. A nice touch of spicy minerality leads into the dry finish which resolves into some lingering chocolate notes.
See a listing of local retailers selling the Ludovicus Tinto here.