Celler Pinol L'Avi Arrufi Terra Alta Crianza 2017 (Spain) Rated 92TT

Store Tasting Team Review
Rated 92
This well-crafted, Mediterranean red is a beautiful cherry-red colored wine with intense ruby tones and a balanced, complex fruity bouquet; mulberry, currant, plums, hints of cacao and leather with spicy, peppery scents. Full bodied with a lingering aftertaste of quince, you'll find mineral and balsamic tones that remind you of the terroir. A perfect accompaniment for grilled meats, poultry, red meat and cheese.

Celler Piñol L'Avi Arrufí Crianza – Terra Alta 2017

Powerful. Mediterranean. A flagship Terra Alta red with depth, structure, and old‑vine intensity.
L’Avi Arrufí is one of Celler Piñol’s most celebrated wines, crafted from old vines in the high‑altitude, windswept vineyards of Terra Alta in Catalonia. The 2017 vintage delivers richness, elegance, and a beautifully integrated balance of fruit, spice, and oak—showcasing the region’s unique limestone‑clay soils and warm Mediterranean climate.

Key Details

• Producer: Celler Piñol
• Region: Terra Alta, Catalonia, Spain
• Varietals: Garnacha • Cariñena • Syrah (typical blend; proportions vary by vintage)
• Style: Full‑bodied, structured, Mediterranean red
• Aging: Aged in French and American oak (Crianza)
• ABV: 14.5%

Tasting Notes

• Ripe blackberry, plum, and dark cherry
• Notes of cocoa, vanilla, and warm baking spice
• Hints of Mediterranean herbs, licorice, and mineral earth
• Firm yet polished tannins with a long, savory finish

Profile Summary:
Nose: Dark berries, spice, toasted oak, wild herbs.
Palate: Blackberry, plum, cocoa, spice, structured tannins.
Finish: Long, warm, and elegantly earthy.

Why You'll Love It

• A benchmark Terra Alta red with old‑vine concentration
• Beautiful balance of ripe fruit, spice, and mineral depth
• Serious structure with excellent aging potential
• Perfect for fans of bold yet refined Mediterranean wines

Food Pairing

• Grilled lamb chops or herb‑roasted meats
• Paella with chorizo or rabbit
• Charcuterie, manchego, or aged sheep’s cheese
• Hearty stews and roasted vegetables