# 01 Raw Materials: Still — El Ramato Carmesí (Merlot + Garnatxa)

## Two-Component Blend, Co-Fermented

The 200 L base wine is a 50/50 blend of Merlot and Garnatxa, **co-fermented and aged together** in a single neutral oak barrel. This is not a post-fermentation assemblage — the two varieties are united at harvest and remain together through fermentation, malolactic, and 9 months of barrel aging.

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## Component 1: Merlot (100 L, 50%)

**Origin:** Single parcel in **Vilobí del Penedès**, Alt Penedès. Biodynamic + regenerative management. Dry-farmed — no irrigation. No chemical treatments — only natural products (biodynamic preparations, plant-based extracts, sulfur and copper in quantities permitted under the framework). Vine roots reach deep into the calcareous-clay substrate for water.

**Status at harvest:** VA at 1.45 g/L. Proven *Acetobacter* activity. The Merlot brings a high natural VA load and active bacteria into the cellar. The protocol handles this with the Acid Shield and calibrated SO2 addition.

**Microbiology:** Indigenous (Vilobí parcel native microbiome).

**Vinification:** Standard red fermentation. Indigenous yeast.

**Role in assemblage:** Round mid-palate, soft Merlot tannins, dark cherry primary fruit, structural foundation of the blend.

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## Component 2: Garnatxa (100 L, 50%)

**Origin:** Verdú, Lleida, precision biodynamic management. Inland fruit weight, glycerol body.

**Status at harvest:** VA 0.47 g/L. Clean, healthy lot. Low biological risk.

**Microbiology:** Indigenous (Verdú native microbiome). Healthy lías, high alcohol.

**Vinification:** Standard red fermentation. Indigenous yeast.

**Role in assemblage:** Body contributor, glycerol, sun-ripe Mediterranean fruit, structural counterweight to the Merlot.

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## Harvest Assets

### Merlot

| Filename | Description |
|---|---|
| `boxes in trailer` | Merlot boxes in transport trailer — vintage reference |
| `trying wine` | Tasting reference — barrel context |

### Garnatxa

| Filename | Description |
|---|---|
| `Garnatxa in the field` | Garnatxa clusters on vine |
| `garnatxa in vineyard` | Garnatxa vineyard wide shot |
| `Garnatxa vineyard` | Garnatxa parcel |
| `garnatxa_cluster` | Garnatxa cluster macro |
| `Poorin Garnatxa to glass` | Garnatxa being poured (color reference for the blend) |
| `taking samples` | Sampling |
| `taking_samples_microbiology` | Microbiology sampling on Garnatxa |

### Cross-Variety

| Filename | Description |
|---|---|
| `Trepat and Garnatxa are in the car` | Two varieties in transit — useful for narrative |
| `three men showing grapes` | Vintage portrait |
| `showing_grapes` | Grape showcase |
| `All process of wine creat` | Composite — wine creation overview |

### Harvest Action — Video

| Filename | Description |
|---|---|
| `boxes of grapes` | Boxes at cellar receiving |
| `boxes of grapes_ transport` | Transport sequence |
| `boxes unboxing graapes` | Unboxing at cellar |
| `copy_98522896-8020-4096-A83E-A551A56283C6 2` | Vineyard sequence |
| `collecting grapes` | General harvest frame |

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## Vintage & Provenance

- **Vintage:** 2025
- **Merlot parcel:** Single parcel in **Vilobí del Penedès**, biodynamic + regenerative, dry-farmed, no chemicals
- **Garnatxa parcels:** Verdú, Lleida, precision biodynamic
- **Total fruit:** 200 L of base wine after pressing/co-fermentation of 100 L Merlot + 100 L Garnatxa

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