The 2019 Alvarez Duran Terroir X de Llicorella La Vina Vieja is a powerful red wine from the prestigious D.O.Q Priorat region in Spain. The 2019 vintage in Priorat was rated "Excellent," characterized by high concentration and significant aging potential, despite some challenging heat during the growing season. Fruit quality was generally very high, with Garnacha performing particularly strongly. This wine is a blend predominantly of Carignan (90%), with Grenache (5%) and a small percentage (5%) of old black and white grape vines from the same ancient plot. Some sources specify 95% Cariñena from 118-year-old vines. It is aged for 14 months in new and second-year barrels. The distinctive Llicorella soil, composed of small sheets of slate, imparts a pronounced mineral character to the wines. On the nose, this wine is powerful and mature, offering aromas of thyme, blackberry, spice, and vanilla. The palate showcases the typical character of old Carignan from the region, with elegant tannins, maturity, and acidity that provide perfect balance and great persistence. It's described as a wine with a lot of personality, featuring notes of black cherry, dark fruit, cedar, dark chocolate, toast, and minerals. Expect a complex, fresh, and elegant profile with ripe red fruit, hints of cocoa, chocolate, and toasted notes, culminating in a fleshy mouthfeel with ripe, rustic tannins. This is a relatively young wine with excellent aging potential, recommended for drinking up to 2040. To allow its complexities to unfold, it's advisable to decant the wine for at least two hours before serving. Serve at a temperature of 16-18°C. 🍴 This robust and characterful Priorat red is an ideal match for hearty dishes such as roasts, red meats, and rich stews. It also pairs beautifully with roasted lamb, braised short ribs, and a selection of Manchego cheese and charcuterie. 🥂 Perfect for a gourmet dinner featuring substantial meat dishes, a celebration of Spanish culinary traditions, or a dedicated tasting focused on the unique wines of Priorat. Its depth and personality also make it a superb candidate for cellaring to enjoy its further evolution. 【 Crafted from very old Carignan vines on distinctive Llicorella slate soils, yielding a wine of immense personality and aging potential 】