From: La Vilella Alta, Priorat, Spain
Varietal: Garnatxa Negra, Carinyena
In the rugged landscapes of Priorat, Ritme Celler focuses on creating wines that express the rhythm ("ritme" in Catalan) of the earth and the life of the vineyards in this unique landscape. The winery is part of the Acústic Celler family, which emphasizes traditional viticulture and winemaking practices that respect the natural acoustics – the
unamplified sound – of the vine. The philosophy at Ritme Celler is to encapsulate the
rhythm, soul, and landscape of Priorat through the use of native, indigenous grape
varieties. This philosophy extends to minimal intervention in the vineyard and the
winery, aiming to produce wines that represent their origin.
Across all the Acústic wineries, Albert Jané emphasizes organic farming, with a solid
commitment to maintaining the natural biodiversity of the vineyard ecosystems and
using only natural products in vineyard management. The winemaking process is
characterized by using indigenous yeasts, minimal filtration, and restrained use of oak
to ensure that the wines remain true to their origins. These wines are all certified by The CCPAE (Consell Català de la Producció Agrària Ecològica) - Catalan Council of Organic Agricultural Production.
Taste: The wine itself presents a bright violet color and offers an attractive bouquet
that blends dark berry and cherry pit aromas with undertones of licorice, wood smoke,
and candied lavender, all anchored by a distinctive mineral accent. This wine provides a
succulent and satisfying experience on the palate, supported by fine acidity and
substantial weight. It reveals complex flavors of bitter cherry, boysenberry, and echoing
minerals. This palate is light and penetrating, characterized by a creamy texture and
great harmony. A subtle, minty finish follows floral notes of violet and lily. The finish is
clean and precise, featuring a persistent flavor of dark cherries and blood orange, and
closes with a firm thrust, highlighted by lingering floral and mineral flourishes.
Pairing: Pairing the robust Ritme wine from Priorat with food is an exciting culinary
adventure thanks to its rich profile of dark fruits, minerality, and subtle herbal notes.
Ideal matches include grilled red meats such as steak, lamb chops, or venison, where the charred flavors harmonize beautifully with the wine’s full body. Similarly, barbecued
pork ribs enhance the smoky notes of the oak aging. For a vegetarian option, a
mushroom risotto mirrors the earthy tones of the wine, and hearty stews like beef
bourguignon complement its complexity.
Grilled Moroccan Lamb Sausage
Recipe from Joyce Goldstein
Adapted by Florence Fabricant
