2019 Celler Piñol "L’Avi Arrufí" Tinto, Terra Alta, Catalonia, Spain

ABOUT THE WINE

“L’Avi Arrufí” (named in honor of the family’s grandfather) is a flagship red from Celler Piñol, made primarily from organically grown Garnacha Negra, with smaller proportions of Cariñena and Syrah, depending on the vintage. The fruit is sourced from old vines rooted in Terra Alta’s signature panal soils—deep, sandy-limestone formations that promote elegance and aromatic lift.

Fermented with native yeasts and aged for 15–16 months in a mix of French and American oak, the 2019 vintage showcases both ripeness and restraint. The wine’s richness is counterbalanced by freshness and a savory edge, hallmarks of the region’s elevated vineyards and dry, windswept climate.

Dark fruit, garrigue, and spice converge in a wine made for hearty pairings—think lamb tagine, grilled ibérico pork, or aged Manchego.

ABOUT THE PRODUCER

Celler Piñol is a fourth-generation, family-run winery in Batea, the heart of Terra Alta in southern Catalonia. Revered for its commitment to organic viticulture and revival of indigenous varieties, the estate has helped elevate the region’s international profile through characterful, terroir-driven wines.

Run today by Josefina Piñol and her son Juanjo Galcera, the winery combines tradition and innovation: dry-farmed bush vines, organic certification, and low-intervention winemaking define their approach. Celler Piñol is particularly known for its old-vine Garnacha and expressions of Morenillo, a near-extinct local grape they’ve worked to preserve.

“L’Avi Arrufí” reflects their philosophy: honoring family legacy while crafting wines of depth, soul, and strong sense of place.