Purgatori, DO Costers del Segre — 2016
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Introduction
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The Purgatori estate has 200 ha (494 acres) of organic vineyards, spread over the valley and slopes that climb to 550 meters (1805 ft) at their highest point. The vineyards are very high quality thanks to the extreme continental climate, with a wide temperature variation in summertime. This, combined with the lack of water, favors a slow ripening of the grape, leading to wines with great aromatic intensity.
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Vineyard Profile
- Size: Estate with 200 ha under vine, of which 50 are used to make Purgatori
- Soil: : Very deep, well-drained soils with a moderately fine texture. The soils contain low levels of organic matter and very high levels of calcium.
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Vintage Report
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After a rather mild winter, the vegetative cycle got off to a relatively normal start with warmer temperatures in spring. Temperatures were also mild throughout the summer, with highs that never exceeded 35°C. Winter and spring rainfall contributed to good vine balance. The lack of rain during the summer and harvest season decreased production, but resulted in higher-quality grapes. These dry conditions in September and October, combined with cooler temperatures, benefited the gradual maturation of late-ripening varieties.
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Vinification
- Fermentation: 7-10 days alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks at 22ºC
- Malolactic: 100% malolactic fermentation in the barrel.
- Barrel Aging: 15-18 months in French oak barrels (40% new)
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Technical Information
- Alcohol: 14.5%
- TA: 5.4 g/L
- p H: 3.65
- RS: <0.5 g/L
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Tasting Notes
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Extraordinary dark cherry red color with great depth. Intense floral (violet) and fruit (cassis) aroma with exquisite Mediterranean garrigue (thyme) coming through, joined by notes of smoke and spices (cocoa). Full and intense on the palate, with ripe, velvety, wonderfully elegant tannins. An exceptional wine, flavorful and full bodied, with a characteristic, terroir-imparted hint of minerality (graphite).
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Images
Reviews
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Familia Torres Purgatori, DO Costers del Segre — 2016 – Wine Spectator – 93 Points
This powerful red has a refined character overall, with a brooding core of plum sauce, dusty earth, black olive and ganache. Sinewy tannins give bold structure, with spice, mineral and wild, Mediterranean herb giving depth to the finish.
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Familia Torres Purgatori, DO Costers del Segre — 2016 – Decanter – 95 Points
Elegant and complex nose of dark bramble and blueberry fruit. Rounded in the mouth with well-integrated wood. Tannins are in the background, as the lively acidity loads up the palate with sparkle and zing. Great stuff.
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Familia Torres Purgatori, DO Costers del Segre — 2016 – James Suckling – 92 Points
There’s a lot of new wood coming through at the moment, but it shows lots of ripe fruit with linear, racy tannins that draw you through the wine. Nicely crafted. Try after 2021.