Partida Creus Tinto Natural 'TN' 2022

Tinto Natural is a blend of Ull de Llebre (Tempranillo), Merlot, and Syrah, from 30 to 50-year-old vines planted on clay and limestone soils and farmed organically. The grapes are hand-harvested and destemmed before being a gently pressing into stainless steel tank, without filtration or any added sulfur. This is a vibrant medium bodied red with a high-toned nose of wild strawberries and blackcurrant. The palate is crisp, fresh and wild with blackberry and cassis flavors, structured tannin and an earthy finish. Pairs well with Iberian pork roast or a classic Spanish cheese and charcuterie board with manchego and membrillo (quince paste).

Massimo Marchiori and Antonella Gerosa are the Italian couple behind Partida Creus. They settled in the Massís de Bonastre in the Baix Penedés around the year 2000. There they started farming all kinds of local foodstuffs but had trouble finding wines made in the same style so they started making their own, recovering old vines of local grape varietals. In most cases, the vineyards were close to abandoned. Whenever they find a new vineyard, they’ll go to the nearby town, find out who the owner is and approach them to buy or at least farm the vineyard, organically of course. People think they’re crazy for doing this as they are very old, low yielding vineyards and in most cases, obsolete grape varietals. Some have been disqualified from D.O. for lack of color, as was the case with Sumoll, others were never even accepted. Now they’re known as the crazy Italians making incredible natural wines with the grapes that all of the locals had written off in exchange for the more “international” varietals.