Planots 2014 Celler Cal Pla

Tasting Note Planots 2014

The initial aromas feature black cherries and dried plums, followed by notes of cedar, leaves, and tobacco. On the palate, the Planots 2014 displays intense fruit flavors and a dry profile; the tannins are firm rather than soft, and a hint of savory flavor lingers beneath the fruit. With an alcohol content of 13.5%, it feels lighter than many Priorat red wines. The finish is long and elegant.

Grape Varieties

Since Garnacha and Carinyena are Priorat's two flagship red grapes, pure Tempranillo stands out as a unique presence among them. 

Cellaring Potential

The concentrated flavors of Porrera fruit, with its firm tannins and low yield, drive the vibrancy of the 2014 Planots. Best enjoyed through 2032. Serve at 16-18°C. 

About Celler Cal Pla

Eight generations of one family have worked the same hillside plots above Porrera, a small village in DOQ Priorat, and Celler Cal Pla still bottles everything it grows there. Records go back to 1814. For most of that time the wine left Porrera in bulk, unbottled, until Joan Sangenís, a trained winemaker and the youngest of the family, took over management in 1996 and switched to small-batch bottling under the estate's own name. Six farms, roughly 50 hectares, all on slopes between 300 and 500 meters, with some plots close to 100 years old. Rainfall averages around 300 liters per square meter, which is very little. Carignan and Grenache lead the reds, but the whites include Picapoll Blanc and Trepat Blanc, varieties rarely seen in the appellation. No grapes are bought in.

Terroir & Climate

Llicorella, the black slate and quartz soil of DOQ Priorat, is located beneath the Porrera vineyard and serves two purposes: it provides excellent drainage and reflects heat. With a limited annual rainfall, the vines develop deep root systems, and yields are naturally kept low without the need for special management. Because nighttime temperatures are cool at elevations between 300 and 500 meters, Planots carries freshness alongside ripe fruit.

Winemaking

Before the grapes enter oak barrels, they are fermented in 80,000 litres of concrete vats and 100,000 litres of stainless steel. All grapes used by Planots are grown in the family-owned Porrera vineyard, and bottling takes place at the same winery. There are no purchased grapes. 

Food Pairing

Its strong tannins and intense fruit aromas pair well with savory and smoky flavors. Here are a few recommended pairings:

• Grilled lamb chops, Catalan-style, grilled over vine branches
• Calçots with romesco sauce; the blend of nuts and pepper in the sauce helps neutralize the wine's astringency
• Botifarra sausage and white beans
• Aged Manchego: The saltiness of the cheese harmonizes with the wine's umami

Roast game also pairs well. Planots has a robust structure that can hold its own against such dishes.