Pascona Lo Petito, Monsant Spain

The Wine

Here's a blend of Syrah and Merlot showcasing Montsant’s sunny generosity. Aromas of cherry and raspberry with hints of blackberry and a slight minerality. The palate is fresh with the fruit‑in the lead (as opposed to cellar techniques). Medium bodied with enough acidity to keep the wine appealing over the course of the evening. On the palate, the wine features flavors of ripe red fruit, a touch of sweet spice, and a refreshing finish on this wine born to a life of easy enjoyment rather than contemplation.

The wine underwent a 20-day fermentation, then it was evenly divided with half going into stainless steel on fine lees for six months, the other half into barrels for six months. It was lightly filtered prior to bottling. ABV is 13%.

Pairings: grilled or roasted lamb, short ribs, grilled sausages with blistered peppers, mushroom risotto with freshly cracked peppercorns and black bean stew. Cheese-wise, reach for sheep's milk cheeses or an aged cheddar or gouda.

The Winery

Pascona is a family estate that was in a bit of a rut until 2006 when Toni Ripoll took over and re‑imagined what it could be - re-thinking everything from vineyard practices to winemaking  to label design and distribution. The winery farms a 50-acre estate planted to both local and international varieties including Garnacha, Carignan, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Their vineyards consist of a mosaic of soil types, including clay, granite, and slate.