Mas Martinet, Els Escurcons, Priorat 2018

Description

Mas Martinet, Els Escurcons, Priorat 2018

This singular wine represents a distinct philosophical shift in the region, showcasing the elegance possible in the rugged landscape of Priorat. It is a single-vineyard varietal wine composed of 100% Garnatxa Negra (Grenache), sourced exclusively from the Els Escurcons vineyard. Perched at the highest point of the Martinet estate in Gratallops, this site sits at an elevation of roughly 600 meters on ferruginous llicorella (red slate) soils. The 2018 vintage was atypical for the region—cooler and rainier than the norm, often described as an "Atlantic" year. These conditions allowed for a slow, steady ripening process that preserved vibrant natural acidity and kept alcohol levels moderate, resulting in a wine of exceptional freshness and aromatic lift rather than sheer power.

In the glass, the wine pours a translucent, shimmering ruby color with bright violet edges, indicating its lighter extraction style. The nose is profoundly aromatic and complex, leading with high-toned notes of wild red raspberries, pomegranate, and blood orange peel. These fruit elements are deeply intertwined with a savory undercurrent of crushed iron, graphite, and the classic Mediterranean "garrigue"—dried thyme, rosemary, and wild fennel. On the palate, this is a dry, medium-bodied wine that emphasizes tension and fluidity over weight. The texture is silky yet nervy, with flavors of tart cherry and stony minerals supported by ultra-fine, chalky tannins. The acidity is electric, driving a long, saline finish that leaves a lingering impression of rose petals and wet slate.

Winemaker Sara Pérez is a pioneer of organic and regenerative viticulture, treating the vineyard as a holistic ecosystem. Her winemaking approach for Els Escurcons is designed to strip away the makeup of oak to reveal the raw terroir. The grapes were fermented with indigenous yeasts in clay amphorae. Distinctively, the 2018 vintage saw no wood contact; instead, the wine was aged for approximately 15 months primarily in glass demijohns (dames-jeannes) and clay vessels. This reductive environment protects the Grenache’s delicate floral compounds and ensures the wine remains pure, energetic, and unburdened by toasted wood flavors.

Given its high acidity and elegant structure, this wine requires food that respects its finesse. It pairs beautifully with slow-roasted pork shoulder seasoned with fennel pollen and fresh herbs, as the wine's savory herbal notes will mirror the dish while the acidity cuts through the richness of the meat. For a classic American pairing, try grilled Colorado lamb chops with a mint chimichurri; the iron-rich minerality of the wine complements the gaminess of the lamb perfectly. Critics have lauded this effort, with Robert Parker's Wine Advocate and Vinous both awarding it 96 points. While it sits at a premium price point, it offers a profound, intellectual experience comparable to top-tier Burgundy or Rayas, making it a compelling value for collectors of terroir-driven Grenache.