On the nose at first animal, meaty, dark chocolate and moca sensations dominates. After some exposure to air, the aroma becomes more fruity, with blueberries and dark cherries coming on stage.
In the mouth, this medium bodied wine is smooth and reminds of juicy blackberries. The drying finish is neither very long nor too short.
Ritme is a blend of 70% Samsó (Carignan) and 30% Garnacha (Grenache) from old vines between 20 and 80 years and is produced under the Priorat DOQ.
Priorat is one of only two regions to hold Spain’s top-tier Denominación de Origen Calificada (Denominació d’Origen Qualificada in Catalan) classification, the other being Rioja.
The first recorded evidence of grape growing and wine production in the area dates from the 12th century, when the monks from the Monastery of Scala Dei introduced the art of viticulture. The prior of Scala Dei ruled as a feudal lord over seven villages in the area, which gave rise to the name Priorat.
Priorat’s climate, nutrient-poor soils and vine age generates super-low yields, which give birth to powerful red wines that in the 1990s came to international attention.
The official Priorat DOCa viticultural area, which is surrounded entirely by that of the Montsant DO, covers 11 parishes located just inland from the city of Tarragona. It is one of very few world-class wine regions to produce wines based on Grenache.
For the 20 CHF paid at Coop, I find Ritme a pleasant and well-made wine, well worth the price. I’m planning to visit the region with my son in August this year and I’m looking forward to learn more about Priorat and taste more wines made under this denomination.
Country: Spain
Region: Catalonia
Grapes: Carignan, Grenache
Type: Red
Vintage: 2014
Producer: Acústic Celler
Price range: Medium (15-30 US$)
Pascal’s Enjoyment Index: 3/5