Wine Online Staff Favourite: If you are a fan of Saint Emillion Wines around the €50 price point this wine is for you. Incredible value at €25. "Incredible Complexity and Drinkability" Country: Spain Region: Penedes Varietal: Merlot 40% Cariñena 40% Cabernet Sauvignon 20% Vintage: 2017 Colour: Red Style: Dry Producer: Irene Alemany and Laurent Corrio Description: In the little town of Villafranca del Penedes in Cataluña, Irene and Laurent are challenging the traditional perception of DO Penedes wine. Converting their vineyards from the typical Penedes high yields and abandoning all forms of chemical treatment and fertilisers, they follow basic organic practices. Much of the construction and equipping of their cellar was modest and homemade, including building their own tanks. Production remains small, yet as they identify further small vineyard sites their range has extended to include distinctive wines from the indigenous varietal Xarel-lo, which they choose to do extended fermentation with, using indigenous yeast and it is then left on its lees to increase the richness and complexity. Tasting Note: A profound perfume of ripe fruit, very well composed with elegant notes of India ink, typical of the Cariñena, leather, coffee and chocolate notes, earthy touches and mild balsamic hints. It's well polished on the palate, with great structure but a velvety texture, having an intense flavour and a very pleasant suggestion of sweetness Food Matches: Marinated meats / Stewed meats with mushrooms / Cannelloni / Spicy dishes / Venison stew