Tomas Cusine, the man who put Castell del Remei on the wine map decided to strike on his own with a new venture in the Catalan village of El Vilosell in the province of Lleida.
Located at relatively high altitude in the Costers del Segre appellation, the vineyards sit on chalk and clay soils depending on the parcels.
They benefit from the relatively arid climate and the wide contrast in temperature between days and nights.
All this leads to low yields.
The Vilosell 2005 is 49% Ull de Llebre (Tempranillo), 28.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Garnatxa and 10.5% Merlot according to El Celler Catala.
What you note most is its smoky flavor and spicy tones, pairs well with rich food.
A great buy at around $12.
A new favorite.
More Iberian Wines: My Castle for a Wine: Castillo Labastida, Rioja Reserva 2001