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Item Number: 6219
UPC: 0810411010624
Country: Spain
Region: Catalunya
Appellation/AVA: Terra Alta DO
Estate Grown Wine: Yes
Vintage: 2010
Grape(s): 50% Garnacha / 20% Cariñena / 10% Merlot / 10% Syrah / 10% Tempranillo
Type: Wine - Red
Bottle Size: 750ml Pack: 12
Closure: Cork
Alc by Vol(%): 14
Viticulture: Certified Organic
Soil Type: 95% limestone and 5% clay
Elevation: 1,200 feet
Case Production: 3,050 cases are made; 1,500 for the U.S.
What makes this wine unique? This wine is made by the fourth generation of the Piñol family. This wine is made from grapes that are organically grown. Less than 3,500 cases are produced for the world. Made from vines that are traditionally head pruned, dry farmed (no irrigation), and grown in limestone soil. The vineyards are located within Batea, a town at 366 meters (1,200 ft.) elevation, 65 meters (213 ft.) higher than the village of Gratallops, situated at 301 meters (987 ft.) elevation, in the neighboring wine region of Priorat.
Vinification: The grapes are brought to the winery in the early morning hours before being de-stemmed and crushed. Prior to fermentation, the must is macerated at cool temperature (43°F) for four days in large tanks of 5,000-10,000 liter capacity. Fermentation starts utilizing neutral yeasts from Levuline (used mostly in Champagne) and the skins mix with the juice for 22-28 days. Malolactic fermentation takes place in stainless steel tank. The wine is aged for six months in 300-liter French, American and Hungarian oak barrels.
Terroir: The vineyards are located a few miles south and west of Priorat, within the Terra Alta DO (Zone 5) in Catalunya’s Tarragona province in northeastern Spain. In this remote region, the winemaking tradition dates back to the Romans, around the 2nd or 3rd Century. The winery and vineyards are in the town of Batea. Yields are low (24.5 hectoliters per hectare, or 3,500 kilograms per hectare), which enhances concentration and complexity in the grapes. The vineyards are organically farmed and certified by CCPAE. Terra Alta a drier and warmer region than Montsant or Priorat. These conditions produce bright purplish-garnet hued wines with greater weight and ripeness than wines from other areas within Zone 5.
Tasting Notes: Portal Red is dark ruby-colored, the nose exhibits earth notes, cedar, tobacco, cassis, cherry, and blackberry. Ripe and sweet on the palate, licorice, dried herbs and mineral notes make an appearance leading to a lengthy, pure, fruit-filled finish. Drink this tasty effort over the next four years. This wine’s ripe, sweet and juicy character is easy to drink and very easy to pair with foods. Most casual American fare (burgers, wrap sandwiches, burritos) and spicier foods with a Latin American influence will match very well, as well as hard cheeses like aged Manchego.
91+pts (2011 vintage) Wine Advocate 8/2013
"The impressive 2011 Portal Tinto is a blend of 50% Grenache, 20%
Carignan, and 10% each Merlot, Syrah and Tempranillo, from an organic
vineyard also planted in 1968. It was aged six months in a variety of
oak containers. This is a big, rich red from a high- altitude,
cooler-climate site. Its dense purple color is followed by aromas of
black raspberries, blackberries, incense and forest floor. The wine hits
the palate with full-bodied power, stunning richness and thick, rich
flavors revealing sweet tannin and enough acidity to provide definition.
It can be drunk now or cellared for 5-7 years."
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