2015 Clot d'encis, Red

Catalonia is a self-described rebel territory in Northeast Spain that has been in the news the last few years for trying to secede from Spain and form an independent country. The Catalans have their own flag and it is quite prominent hanging from homes as you sightsee around Barcelona, which is the hub of the region. This part of Spain makes some of the most interesting wine in the whole country but doesn't have the same recognition or marketing budget for the powerhouses like Rioja. This bottle comes from a town called Bot that is way off the beaten path with not even 800 residents.

The grapes are Grenache, Carignan, and Syrah. The Grenache and the Carignan are harvested by hand, and each varietal is processed and vinified separately, allowing the winemakers the ultimate flexibility to make the perfect blend off all three! The wine is jammy, woody, and lush and makes for a great travel planning buddy!