Finca Tobella, Priorat (Catalonia, Spain) 2009

Priorat, one of Spain’s top appellations for robust red wines, uses both indigenous grapes, Garnacha and Cariñena, as well as international varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon.  Though many producers are moving away from including the international varieties in the blend, Finca Tobella, with this wine, shows those grapes do, indeed, perform well in the region.  A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (44%), Syrah (31%), Cariñena (15%) and Garnacha, the 2009 Negre combines richness and power with surprising elegance.  Despite the percentage of Cabernet and Syrah, the minerality of region comes through, not the imprint of the grapes.  Its polished tannins allow you to enjoy it now when you’re grilling beef this summer.