Celler Alimara, Pinzellada ‘GN’, 2018
Celler Alimara, Pinzellada ‘GN’, 2018
- 75cl
- 14.5%
- Red Still
- Grenache
- Organic
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
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Optimal drinking window: 2026 - 2032
The 2018 “GN” is 100% Grenache (Garnatxa Negra), sourced from 30+ year-old vines at Mas de Cabrera and aged for 21 months in oak. It’s a beautifully balanced, fruit-driven red, brimming with ripe red and black fruits, layered with notes of fudge, vanilla, cedar, and toffee. The oak is well integrated, the tannins are smooth, and there’s a lovely touch of complexity on the finish.
Versatile and expressive, it pairs brilliantly with chargrilled steaks, roast meats, hearty pizzas, or strong cheeses — and as a 100% vegan wine, it’s equally at home alongside rich lentil casseroles or mushroom-based dishes.
Celler Alimara is a small, quality-focused winery based in Catalonia’s Terra Alta region. Founded by husband-and-wife team Alison and Andy McLeod, the estate champions low-intervention winemaking and sustainable practices. Pinzellada, meaning “Brush Stroke” in Catalan, is Celler Alimara’s creative expression of each vintage, a series where every release paints a unique picture of the year.
Currently showing beautifully integrated fruit and oak, this 2018 is drinking at its peak of primary fruit expression. Over the next 2-3 years, the oak will continue to marry with the fruit, developing more savoury, leather-like notes whilst retaining the core berry character. The wine should hold its fruit concentration well until around 2032, after which the oak may begin to dominate as the fruit starts to fade. This isn't a wine built for extended cellaring, but rather for enjoying whilst the fruit and oak remain in harmony.
Tasting Notes
AppearanceDeep ruby with a garnet rim showing the wine's maturity.
NoseRipe blackberry and cherry leap from the glass, followed by vanilla, cedar, and a touch of toffee from the oak ageing. There's a hint of Mediterranean herbs and warm spice that speaks to the Terra Alta terroir.
PalateMedium to full-bodied with smooth, integrated tannins that support rather than dominate. The fruit is generous and ripe, with layers of red and black berries complemented by fudge-like richness from the oak. The balance between fruit, oak, and acidity is spot-on.
FinishLong and warming, with gentle spice and a touch of cedar lingering pleasantly.
Overall impressionA wine that shows Grenache's generous side whilst maintaining elegance and drinkability.
Food Pairings
In Terra Alta, this would pair perfectly with the region's traditional slow-cooked lamb dishes, particularly cordero a la chilindrina with peppers and onions. The local calcots (spring onions) grilled over vine cuttings and served with romesco sauce would complement the wine's smoky oak notes beautifully. Strong Catalan cheeses like aged Manchego or the local formatge de Mató, along with jamón ibérico, would bring out the wine's savoury complexity. During harvest time, families might enjoy this with hearty wild boar stews or the ubiquitous pa amb tomàquet topped with chorizo.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 16-18°C to show the fruit at its best whilst allowing the oak integration to shine through. No need to decant, though 30 minutes of breathing in the glass will help the aromas open up fully. Use large Bordeaux-style glasses to concentrate the aromatics and allow the wine's layers to develop as it warms slightly in the bowl.
The Mas de Cabrera vineyard sits in Terra Alta's limestone-rich soils, which provide excellent drainage whilst retaining enough moisture for the vines during the hot, dry summers. At moderate altitude, the 30-year-old Grenache vines benefit from the region's continental climate with cooling influences from the nearby mountains. The limestone base imparts mineral structure whilst the Mediterranean sunshine concentrates the fruit flavours that define this expression.
Terra Alta, literally 'High Land', sits in southern Catalonia near the Ebro River, historically overshadowed by neighbouring Priorat but increasingly recognised for quality wines. The DO allows both indigenous and international varieties, though Grenache thrives particularly well in the limestone soils and continental climate. Unlike the slate soils of Priorat, Terra Alta's limestone produces wines with more accessible fruit and softer tannins, making it ideal for expressive, food-friendly reds like this Pinzellada.
The 2018 vintage in Catalonia delivered one of those satisfying years that reminds you why this corner of Spain produces such distinctive wines. A wet winter gave the vines a proper drink after several drier years, setting them up beautifully for the growing season ahead. The summer brought warmth without the punishing heat that can bake the life out of grapes, allowing for steady, even ripening across the diverse microclimates from Penedès to Priorat.
What emerged was a vintage with real personality – wines that combine the sun-soaked generosity you expect from Catalonia with a freshness that keeps you coming back to the glass. The indigenous varieties particularly shone: Garnacha developed lovely spiced fruit character, whilst Cariñena retained the structure and mineral backbone that makes it so food-friendly. These wines are drinking beautifully now and will continue to develop over the next five to seven years, though the reds from higher-altitude sites like Montsant will reward those patient enough to wait a bit longer.
FAQs
What does this wine taste like?
Ripe red and black fruits with smooth tannins, cedar, vanilla, and toffee from well-integrated oak aging. It's fruit-driven but complex, with a lovely balance between richness and freshness.
When should I drink this wine?
It's drinking beautifully now and will continue to improve for another 2-3 years. Best enjoyed by 2032 whilst the fruit remains vibrant and in harmony with the oak.
What food pairs well with this wine?
Excellent with chargrilled steaks, roast meats, and strong cheeses. As a vegan wine, it also works brilliantly with rich lentil casseroles, mushroom dishes, or hearty pizzas.
How should I serve this wine?
Serve at 16-18°C in large wine glasses. No need to decant, but 30 minutes of breathing will help the aromas develop fully.
Is this wine worth cellaring?
This is more about immediate pleasure than long-term aging. Whilst it will hold well for 4-6 years, it's showing beautifully now and designed to be enjoyed rather than stored.
What makes Terra Alta special?
Terra Alta's limestone soils and continental climate produce more accessible, fruit-forward wines than neighbouring Priorat. It's an emerging region making excellent value wines with real character.
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