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Where Garnacha has always been the hallmark, Scala Dei Heretge 2021 breaks the established molds. A single-varietal Cariñena from old vines that pays tribute to the ancestral heroic viticulture of Priorat, in a limited edition of around 3000 bottles.
Consumption features
Serving temperature
General features
General Information
Breaking with conventions inspired Cellers Scala Dei in the design of the red Scala Dei Heretge 2021. In a region where Garnacha has historically been established as the reigning variety, this fantastic single-varietal Cariñena boldly showcases all its qualities, positioning itself as the most groundbreaking bet of the winery. This ‘heretic’ is a limited-edition red wine, handcrafted from vines over 80 years old located in three costers: Cap la Serra, Parts de l’Ase, and La Font.
The production of this 100% Cariñena follows the same low-intervention process that the winery applies to its old-vine Garnacha reds, aiming to preserve the unique characteristics of the slate wines from the D.O. Priorat. Fermentation was carried out with 30% of the stems and indigenous yeasts in open cement tanks, followed by 22 days in contact with the skins until pressing. Finally, the wine completed its aging with approximately 6 months in 4000-liter French oak foudres. The result is a red wine of heroic viticulture that faithfully expresses its terroir of origin.
When it comes to pairing, the enologist of Scala Dei, Ricard Rofes, invites us to experiment: “Scala Dei Heretge 2021 is our heresy, be heretics when pairing it, any sin could work well.”
Tasting notes
In appearance, Scala Dei Heretge displays an intense cherry red color with violet highlights.
Deep on the nose, where aromas of fresh and ripe red and black fruit stand out, followed by floral notes (violets) and balsamic hints over a background with a marked mineral character reminiscent of pencil lead.
Good acidity with expressive tannins. Powerful, full-bodied, and characterful but well-balanced. Mineral and fruity.
The winery
Cradle of Priorat wine, the origins of the Cellers de Scala Dei winery date back to the 19th century when, following the Mendizábal disentailment, the families of the current owners acquired the lands of the Cartuja de Escaladei and were the first to bottle wine in Priorat.
The facilities are located in former dependencies of the Carthusians. The aging cellar is a 17th-century construction, situated in the emblematic building where the procurator of the Cartuja lived.