Domaine L'Infernal - Riu 2019
Vineyard Story
Le Trio Infernal is a project that was born in Priorat in 2002, initiated by three winemakers from the Rhône Valley. It is founded on twenty years of strong friendship and a deep desire to create a joint venture in a new wine region, renowned for its potential to produce exceptional wines. These winemakers are Laurent Combier (Domaine Combier, Crozes Hermitage), Peter Fischer (Château Revelette, Aix-en-Provence), and Jean-Michel Gerin (Domaine Gerin, Côte-Rotie). Captivated by the beauty of this region, they decided to settle in the heart of the valley, in Torroja del Priorat. In 2018, they announced a smooth transition to Léo Cuisinier and Lucas Chazallet to bring a fresh perspective to the project.
Appellation: Priorat
Geography: Priorat is a rugged, mountainous region with vineyards situated on steep slopes, making mechanized farming difficult. The area is defined by its dramatic landscapes and remote location.
Climate: The climate is primarily Mediterranean, with long, hot, dry summers and mild winters. This creates ideal growing conditions, particularly for late-ripening varieties like Garnacha (Grenache) and Cariñena (Carignan).
Red Grapes: The primary red varieties in Priorat are Garnacha and Cariñena, which thrive in the hot, dry climate and produce wines with rich, concentrated flavors. Other varieties like Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot are often used in blends, adding complexity and structure.
White Grapes: White wine production is limited, but some white varieties such as Macabeo, Garnacha Blanca, and Pedro Ximénez are grown, often producing distinctive, mineral-driven white wines.
Tasting notes
APPEARANCE
Clarity: clear
Intensity: medium
Colour: ruby
NOSE
Condition: clean
Intensity: pronounced
Aromas: primary, secondary and tertiary – violet, blackcurrant, mint, vanilla, cloves, smoke.
Development: youthful
PALATE
Sweetness: dry
Acidity: high
Alcohol: high
Tannins: high
Body: full
Flavour intensity: pronounced
Flavour characteristics: primary,
secondary and tertiary – violet, blackcurrant, mint, vanilla, cloves, smoke.
Finish: long
CONCLUSION
Quality level: outstanting
Grape varieties: Grenache
Noir, Syrah, Carignan
Service Temperature: 14° to 16°C
Ageing potential: 10 years
Food & Wine Pairings: Grilled meat, spicy food, chocolate dessert.