Raimat Boira Garnatxa Negra 2017 Costers del Segre, Catalonia, Spain 75cl

Raimat is a large, historic estate in Costers del Segre, in inland Catalonia near Lleida, long associated with the Codorníu family who transformed what had been arid land into one of Spain’s most impressive single vineyards. The estate dates to 1914, when Manuel Raventós set about turning barren ground near the Segre river into vineyard, and today it ranks among the largest single wine estates in Europe.

Boira, Catalan for mist, is made from pure Garnatxa Negra, or red Grenache, one of the Mediterranean’s great warm-climate grapes. Grenache is naturally generous and perfumed, and the continental corner of Catalonia it grows in has warm days and notably cool nights, which ripen the fruit while keeping the wine fresh, aromatic and drinkable.

The 2017 growing season was warm across Catalonia, producing generous, ripe Grenache with soft tannins and open, upfront fruit, well suited to an easy-drinking style.

Medium-bodied and rounded, it shows ripe strawberry and red cherry, a touch of liquorice, dried herb and gentle spice, and a smooth, supple finish. Grenache like this is forgiving and food-friendly: serve it lightly chilled on a warm day, and pair it with pizza, pasta and tomato sauces, charcuterie, grilled vegetables or roast chicken. It is ready to drink now and does not need cellaring.

An unfussy, crowd-pleasing red that shows the softer, fruitier side of Catalan Grenache. If you like a juicy southern-Rhône Côtes du Rhône or a soft, young Rioja, this sits comfortably alongside them, and its easy charm makes it a reliable midweek choice.