In the glass
What it pairs with
-
Grilled lamb kebabs
Fruit and herbal freshness complement herb-spiced lamb. -
Catalan pork sausage with bread
The wine's accessible fruit and spice pair with the simple dish.
How to serve L'Infernal Riu
Allow 65 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and decant. Open 60 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
- Serve at 14-16°C. Cellar temperature (14-16°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a Burgundy bowl with a wide opening: the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Grilled lamb kebabs, Catalan pork sausage with bread. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
L'Infernal is a joint project established in Torroja del Priorat by three French winemakers from the northern Rhone Valley, drawn to Priorat's llicorella terroir. Riu is their entry-level Priorat expression.
- 2001 — L'Infernal project established by Combier, Fischer, and Gerin in Priorat
- 2007 — First vintage of Riu as the entry-level expression from L'Infernal
Facts
- Producer
- L'Infernal
- Grapes
- Garnacha Tinta, Cariñena, Syrah
- Classification
- DOQ Priorat
- Oak
- 12 months in French oak, used
- ABV
- 14.5%
- Price
- €22-35 at retail
- Drinking window
- 3-12 from vintage
- First vintage
- 2007
Frequently asked about L'Infernal Riu
What does L'Infernal Riu taste like?
Structurally medium-bodied, medium tannins, high acidity with a medium finish.
When should I drink L'Infernal Riu?
Drink 3-12 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with L'Infernal Riu?
Grilled lamb kebabs is the canonical pairing; Catalan pork sausage with bread is the other strong match. Fruit and herbal freshness complement herb-spiced lamb.
What grapes are in L'Infernal Riu?
The blend is Garnacha Tinta, Cariñena, Syrah. The wine is classified as DOQ Priorat.