Papa Luna Old Vine GSM 2022 (Spain)

Description

Blackberry, Floral, Spice

“It's wonderfully composed and expressed, showing dark plum, spiced cherry, thyme, hazelnut, and rich floral notes on the nose. The succulent palate displays excellent weight and silky flow, combined with velvety texture and layers of fine tannins, making it sturdy yet supple with a lengthy, satisfying finish” Sam Kim, Wine Orbit

“Deeply coloured, this full-bodied, savoury red is packed with violet and blackberry fruit which unfolds to reveal dried herb, leather and Moroccan spice complexity on the persistent, evolving finish. A touch of warmth at the end and soft, the grainy, cedary tannins are well-submerged, with just enough acidity to keep everything together. Almost liqueur-like in its concentration and ripeness, this is approachable already but will continue to develop complexity over a few years” Stephen Wong, Master of Wine, The Real Review

“Norrel has spent years seeking out the best expression of high-altitude old vineyards and making wines of great character” Sarah Jane Evans, Master of Wine, Decanter Magazine

“Talented Norrel Robertson has made some of the most exciting discoveries I have come across in a long while. El Escocés Volante are the top producer in Calatayud” Jancis Robinson, Master of Wine

The 2022 vintage was warm and dry, leading to an early harvest. The blend fermented with selected yeasts and then matured in underground concrete tanks on fine lees for 15–20 months. This gentle, fruit-focused elevage preserves purity and texture while allowing the wine to develop complexity without heavy oak influence. Deep purple with a ruby rim. Pronounced aromas of black fruits, cracked pepper, smoke, thyme and Mediterranean herbs. Full-bodied yet juicy, with dense black-fruit and cherry flavours, very round tannins and a long, smoky, mineral finish. Clean, energetic and highly drinkable — a sensuous, expressive Calatayud red that punches well above its price.

Old Vine Garnacha 75%, Syrah 20%, Mazuelo (Carignan) 5%. 

Papa Luna is the creation of Scottish-born and New Zealand-trained winemaker Norrel Robertson, Master of Wine. Norrel worked vintages in Portugal, Italy, France, Australia, Chile and New Zealand before he and his family landed in Spain in 2003. Papa Luna was first released in 2004 and this is the 18th vintage of this  now iconic wine named in homage to Pedro Martínez de Luna (Benedict XIII, ‘El Papa Luna’), the Aragonese antipope of the late 14th/early 15th century and a local historical icon. The wine is built primarily from high-altitude old-vine Garnacha (often 60–100 years old) grown on the arid, stony slopes of Sierra Armantes in the Ribota valley of Calatayud at an altitude of 600-800m above sea. Garnacha’s distinctive black cherry fruit is complexed by notes of wild lavender and thyme which grows around the vineyard, black pepper character from Syrah, and a hint of spicy Mazuelo (Carinena).

Food Pairing: A great wine to drink with classic game dishes such as venison, duck and roast suckling pig. It also partners well with punchy, flavoursome dishes such as ragout and tomato-based recipes.