Bernavi “Xalera Negre” Cabernet/Syrah/Garnacha
Terra Alta, Catalunya
Some Catalonian love! This project from Marco Bernava (an Italian) and Ruth Fullat (a Catalonian) works to showcase the potential and beauty of Catalonia’s winemaking scene. They chose Terra Alta as a place to settle down thanks to the affordability of the land, giving them the ability to experiment without the extreme financial burden or anxiety. Their wines are so incredibly pure and delicious. The “Xalera” line are their most approachable line, but still chock-full of compelxity. “Xalera Negre” is a blend of Garnacha, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah, and you can pick out aspects of each in the wine. Red fruit from the Garnacha, structure and herbal-qualities from the Cabernet, and a touch of earthiness from the Syrah. This wine is stellar with so many proteins, lean or fatty.