Astrales 2019

The essence of Astrales derives from the roots of the 25 to 80 year-old vines which are deeply rooted in Anguix's calcareous-clay soils. Distributed among small parcels planted in bush formation, the vines must strive hard to achieve adequate yields, battling against the wind, frosts and drought. No herbicides are used and sulphur treatments are kept to a minimum, with the aim of respecting the land's biodiversity. The winery works with native yeasts and, just as in the field, the intention is to intervene only when considered necessary. Macerations are not meant to be overly long and the plan is for gravity to do the majority of the work. 30% of the casks are renewed annually, so that the oak doesn't have too great an influence on the wine, and despite its 18 months in barrel, the end result is a very well-balanced wine from start to finish. Behind a very intense depth, the Astrales conceals some delicate aromas of black plums and Picota cherries emerging on a background of robust minerality and a charming balsamic freshness. Woodland blackberries, the odd lactic note and definitely toasty notes from the oak in the form of vanilla and coffee. On the palate, the tannin-acidity amplifies the silky body brimming with character. Mediterranean bushes, ink, cocoa..., its aromatic array seems endless. It takes its leave with the right amount of dryness so as to be elegant and a fruit content so high it lingers long in the memory.