The Vinari Awards have recognized Vila-Closa Garnacha Negra with a Silver Medal in the young red wine category. For Celler La Botera, it confirms the depth and clarity Garnacha Negra can achieve when shaped by the dry, elevated soils of Terra Alta.
Sourced from goblet-trained vines between 15 and 30 years old, the wine reflects the demanding conditions of panal soils. These calcareous, well-drained terrains yield compact clusters with vivid fruit and natural tension. Fermentation is temperature-controlled, followed by a short rest in oak that adds texture without overwhelming the varietal expression.
Vila-Closa offers red fruit, soft herbal nuances, a touch of cocoa, and a mineral finish. Its structure is firm but unforced, with tannins that support rather than dominate. The Silver Medal rewards this balance and typicity.
For wine buyers and sommeliers, Vila-Closa presents a versatile Garnacha Negra. It fits comfortably into by-the-glass programs or regional selections where clarity and terroir matter. It offers the freshness and restraint often missing in warmer-climate Garnachas, without sacrificing depth.
The award also reinforces the position of Celler La Botera as a producer focused on authenticity and regional identity. It provides added strength in export conversations, especially in markets seeking Garnacha with a sense of place rather than cellar-driven character.
More broadly, Vila-Closa represents a style emerging from Terra Alta. It is not about concentration or weight. It is about altitude, soil, and the decision to let the vineyard speak.
This wine did not need to make noise to be heard. Its precision was enough.
