From: Vilosell, Catalonia, Spain
Varietal: Tempranillo, Syrah, Grenache.
Taste: This wine showcases a complex aromatic profile with smoky notes intertwined with black fruit aromas like blackberries and subtle hints of chocolate and white pepper. On the palate, it offers a plush flavor profile with nuances of blackberry and mocha. Medium-bodied with soft tannins, it provides a mouth-filling experience and a long, satisfying finish with great balance of fruit and spice.
Pairing: For regional traditional pairings, try Catalan-style botifarra sausage with white beans, highlighting the wine's black fruit and smoky notes, or escudella i carn d'olla, a hearty meat and vegetable stew that complements its soft tannins. Another excellent match is pimientos del piquillo rellenos, roasted red peppers stuffed with minced meat or seafood.
For American holiday fare, consider roast turkey with a cranberry and sage glaze, where the wine’s blackberry and mocha notes enhance the savory, slightly tangy flavors of the dish, or roasted duck with a cherry glaze, which beautifully complements the fruit-forward character of the wine. Braised short ribs with rosemary and red wine, a rich and savory dish, melds seamlessly with the wine’s velvety texture and spiced undertones.
Sausage and Leek Stuffing
By Claire Saffitz, NYT Cooking
About: Tomàs Cusiné was established in 2003 in the village of El Vilosell within the Les Garrigues subzone of the Costers del Segre Denomination of Origin (DO) in Catalonia, Spain. The winery is renowned for producing wines that reflect the region's unique terroir, combining traditional practices with innovative techniques.
Tomàs Cusiné Barber, born in 1962, is a prominent Catalan oenologist and viticulturist. His journey in winemaking began in 1985 at his family's Castell del Remei winery. In 1997, he expanded his ventures by establishing Cérvoles Celler, focusing on mountain vineyards. In 2003, seeking a more personal project, he founded the eponymous Tomàs Cusiné Winery in El Vilosell. Over the years, he has also initiated other projects, including Cara Nord in the DO Conca de Barberà and the production of Mineral wine in the DO Montsant.
