Community Tasting Note

FierceRedPanda Likes this wine:

Saturday, May 30, 2020 - Tasted this blind in a horizontal with the 2014 Black Slate Gratallops. Paired with seared venison steaks, roasted asparagus and mushrooms.

Same score and notes as my previous tasting, generally. The differences between the two wines were not subtle. Both my wife and I were able to correctly identify them blind. I prefer the Porrera slightly, because it's, lighter, a little less austere and brings a lot more blackberry and raspberry fruit to the party, along with spice and a touch of minerality. Even the nose is much fruitier than the Gratallops. The fruit here is boisterous, much more in line with what you would expect from a grenache blend, where the Gratallops is a little bit dominated by the stony characteristic. This also features a bit of spice and an herbal flavor and aroma that was entirely absent from the Gratallops.

They're both excellent QPR for the $20-22US range, but I happen to prefer the Porrera a bit more. I suspect the greater emphasis on fruit versus minerality will appeal to more people, and I think this is much more drinkable. The Gratallops really demands food to match its intense dryness and austerity. This wine is generous enough that food may not be mandatory, although I can confirm that it pairs wonderfully with lamb and game, and I expect it would go equally well with beef.

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