From: Cataluña, Spain
Varietals: 70% Tempranillo, 30% Merlot
The historic Can Feixes estate is situated on gravelly slopes above 1300 ft in elevation, in an amphitheater at the tree line near the famous Montserrat pinnacle that forms the Penedès DO’s northern boundary. The farthest Penedès vineyard from the Mediterranean, temperature variation here is more Continental in its extremes, the drier climate more conducive to grape health. Recognized as the region's Grand Cru, Can Feixes sells the majority of its grapes and a large portion of the fermented wines as well. Only the best grapes, and subsequently the best wines, are kept for production under the family label.
Tasting Notes: Fruit-forward aromas of fresh cherry and plum are accented by hints of spice, tobacco, and faint floral notes. The structure of this Tempranillo-forward blend is dominated by racy acidity, yet modified by the softer textural influence of Merlot; notes of juicy plum, blackberry, and cherry pit yield to nuances of spice, minerality, and smokiness as the wine builds to a finish with lingering cherry and plum alongside fine-grained tannins.
Pairing: The lighter tannic structure and friendly balance of fruit and spice found in this wine make it a great candidate for paella pairings.