The 2007 Sot Lefriec is a blend of Merlot, Carinena and Cabernet Sauvignon from argilo-calcareous soils that fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged for 23 months in French oak barrels. It seems like a serious wine, a little backward and austere, with notes of ripe black fruit, tree bark and leather. The character of the Carinena seems to be coming through in the palate with some austere tannins and lively acidity, which lift up the wine. It is a powerful red with good balance to have with red meat or meat stews. It should last well in bottle. Drink 2015-2024. Irene Alemany and Laurent Corrio produce 24,000 bottles from their tiny winery in Vilafranca del Penedes. After years of only producing reds they started bottling some whites as an experiment and the market swallowed them in no time at all. They are now selling more and more whites, with up to three different bottlings, mostly from Xarello grapes. Importer: Vinovi & Co, Ferndale MI; tel. (248) 930-0950, www.vinovico.com

Alamany I Corrio’s flagship is called Sot Lefriec, a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Carinena. Several vintages have been reviewed in this journal including the inaugural 1999 which received 94 points from Robert Parker. The current vintage is the 2007 Sot Lefriec which reveals aromas of cigar box, balsamic, earthy minerals, violets, black currants and black plum. Quite tannic on the palate with some austerity, it will require significant cellaring. On the other hand, I tasted a 100% Carinena aged in 75% new oak made for a special project administered by Barcelona wine merchant, Kim Vilas. Alamany I Corrio is a true garage winery operated by a husband and wife team of that name. My visit to the tiny winery in January, 2011 left me impressed both by their passion and by the quality of the wines, all of which are produced from organically grown grapes and which receive native ferments.Importer: No Known Importer