Perelada Finca Malaveïna Empordà 2023

Winemaking

Perelada is a historic Catalan estate with deep roots in the Empordà region, where winemaking tradition runs back centuries. The team here prioritizes balance and elegance, allowing the region's distinctive Mediterranean character to shine through without heavy-handed extraction or oak. Their approach favors the natural expression of Grenache, Carignan, and Syrah—varieties that have thrived in this corner of Spain for generations.

Tasting Notes

Finca Malaveïna opens with inviting aromas of ripe red cherries and wild berries, layered with the distinctive garrigue and dried herb notes that define the Empordà's terroir. On the palate, the wine unfolds with elegant, silky tannins and a nicely balanced structure that feels refined rather than rustic—you'll find cherry and berry fruit mingling with subtle pepper and mineral undertones. The finish is clean and persistent, closing with a whisper of minerality that lingers pleasantly and speaks to the wine's sense of place.

Producer

Perelada is one of Empordà's most respected producers, operating from a grand estate that reflects both the region's medieval heritage and modern viticultural standards. The winery works sustainably across its vineyards, respecting the challenging conditions of this northernmost Catalan region while coaxing out the best from its old-vine holdings. Their commitment to quality over quantity has made them a benchmark for what Empordà can achieve at this level.

Terroir

Empordà sits in the far northeast of Catalonia, where the Pyrenees meet the Mediterranean and create a bracing, maritime-influenced climate. The region's soils are complex—a mixture of slate, granite, and limestone that imparts mineral precision and natural acidity to the wines. The cool winds from the Tramontana wind system and proximity to the coast ensure that even warm vintages maintain freshness and elegance, making this an ideal terroir for elegant, balanced reds.

Food Pairings

Try this with pan-seared duck breast finished with a cherry gastrique—the wine's silky tannins and subtle spice complement both the richness of the meat and the bright acidity of the sauce. It's equally at home with a simple grilled lamb chop and rosemary, where the garrigue notes echo the herb and the wine's mineral quality cuts through the fat. For a more casual pairing, serve it slightly cool with cured Spanish chorizo and marinated olives at the table.