Vèrtebra de La Figuera de Montsant 2018

Some of the brand names changed from when I tasted the wines the first time, so what was called "Figuera" when tasted as an unbottled sample is now the 2018 Vèrtebra. This comes from three vineyards at high altitude on clay-rich soils that have a limestone mother rock. It fermented and matured in concrete vats and has the chalky texture of the tannins, and perhaps the concrete amplifies the earthy/chalky sensations. This is an elegant Garnacha that is floral, spicy and transparent, very elegant; it was picked early and bottled with 13% alcohol. The palate is medium to full-bodied, with very fine tannins and the freshness from the altitude, the cool year and the soils. Great Garnacha. 6,500 bottles produced. - Luis Gutiérrez.