Escabeces Cartoixa Vilabella"Vila Abellus" Skin Contact

Escabeces started life as a new project from René Barbier of Priorat and Monstant fame. He was approached by his acquaintance Oriol Pérez de Tudela, a farmer from Tarragona, to see if he’d be interested in making a wine from a small parcel of 65-year-old Cartoixà Vermell, the very rare Catalan grape also known as red Xarel.lo. The trick with this wine is that, while it presents as a rosé, it is made as if it were a red wine. The Cartoixà Vermell, however, never develops a tremendous amount of pigment, so even with a long skin maceration, the wine only achieves a coppery-pink color. This wine is light and satisfying! “Vila Abellus”, sourced from the local vineyards, is the newest wine in their lineup and we’re already in love! It’s a striking expression of a rare native grape of unmistakable Mediterranean origin. You’ll notice it’s light and low on fruit on the palate, but still brings the flavor. This makes it easier to drink sip after sip. A great introduction to someone who has never had skin contact wine and is ready to dip their toe in. Dry and savory with notes of orange peel and honey. Serve chilled and pair with cheesy potatoes, veggie lo mein, clam linguini, or a grilled cheese sandwich. Enjoy! You deserve it! x

Producer: Escabeces
Region: Tarragona, Catalunya, Spain
Varieties: 100% Xarel-lo Vermell (aka Cartoixà Vermell)
Alcohol: 14%