Ribas de Cabrera 2018
VdT, Ribas, 750 ml
| Grape variety: | Mantonegro, Syrah |
| Producer: | Bodegas Ribas |
| Origin: | Spain / Mallorca |
Description
The best that can be made from the Mantonegro grape. This top wine from the oldest vines of Bodega Ribas is only available in top years. What we love about it: It was made with a light, skilful hand. The fruit is crisp, the acidity fresh, the wood ageing subtle, it is ripe and full- bodied, but not a bit heavy. Cherry, plum and pomegranate on the nose, fine roasted notes, warm spices. On the palate it shows tremendous vibration, marvellous fruit sweetness and fine-grained tannins. It almost sings on the palate! And: this top wine is an amazing accompaniment to food. It goes just as well with spicy chicken or beef as it does with Middle Eastern dips, and pairs well with olives, tomatoes and even chocolate.
Attributes
| Origin: | Spain / Mallorca |
| Grape variety: | Mantonegro, Syrah |
| Label: | Certified organic or biodynamic wine |
| Ripening potential: | 2 to 12 years after harvest |
| Drinking temperature: | 16 to 18 °C |
| Food Pairing: | Châteaubriand, Filet Wellington, Saddle of lamb fillet with herb jus, Roast saddle of venison, Wild specialities, Wild fowl, Wild boar entrecôte with Spätzli |
| Vinification: | fully destemmed, long must fermentation, use of traditional basket press, protein fining, fermentation in cement tank |
| Harvest: | hand-picking, strict selection, in small boxes, selecting the grapes (by hand) |
| Maturation: | in large wooden barrel/foudre, in new barriques, long cultivation |
| Bottling: | no filtration |
| Maturation duration: | 14 months |
| Volume: | 14.5 % |
| Note: | Contains sulphites |
Bodegas Ribas
The island wines from Mallorca have been blessed for years with high quality and Mediterranean charm. Along with Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, it is above all the indigenous varieties such as Mantonegro, Gargollassa, Callet and Prensal blanc, that make Mallorca a true “treasure island”. Grapes that exist only here reflect the unmistakable character of this unique wine island.
The Ribas winery in Consell has been preserving these Mallorcan treasures for more than 300 years. It is the oldest winery on the island, and it features a stately mansion from the 18th century. The first vines were planted by Pedro Ribas in 1711. There are now 40 hectares, located approximately 150 metres above sea level, on sandy, calcareous and sometimes very stony soils, which are farmed with certified organic methods.
Syrah
A hint of pepper
The legend stubbornly persists that the Syrah variety came from the Persian city of Shiraz. Yet, researchers have shown that it is a natural crossing of two old French varieties: the red Dureza from the Rhône Valley and the white Mondeuse blanche from Savoy. Wines from Syrah are gentle and concentrated. They smell of dark berries, violets and liquorice, and amaze with a piquant touch of white pepper. As varietal wines, they are found on the northern Rhone, as in the Hermitage or Côte Rôtie appellations, as well as in Swiss Valais. In the southern Rhône Valley, Syrah is often wedded with Grenache and Mourvèdre. In 1832, a Frenchman brought the variety to Australia, where it became the emblem of the national wine industry. There, the weightiest versions develop with typical notes of tar and chocolate.
Mantonegro
The prince of Mallorca
The word “negro” – black – in this variety’s name is misleading. It refers to a red wine grape, and a relatively light one at that. Some grapes even shimmer more pink than red. The Manto negro is the most important variety, and a real native, of the holiday island of Mallorca. It yields bright-red, soft wines with plenty of alcohol and an unusual bouquet of blackberry, fig and pomegranate. A small amount of Callet – a slightly stronger Mallorcan variety – is usually added to lend it structure. Wines from Manto negro are well suited for barrel maturation, especially if they come from old vines. These provide particularly concentrated musts that are full of character.
Mallorca
Mallorca: new premium wines from old varieties
The party island is showing an entirely different, more delightful side: every year, more premium wines are produced in Mallorca. While international varieties like Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot yield excellent wines in Mallorca’s terroir, top winemakers increasingly use the best native varieties, such as Manto Negro, Callet and Prensal Blanc. The results are independent wines with Mediterranean charm and surprising freshness.
Spain
Spain – Variety and perfection
“Somewhere in la Mancha, in a place whose name I do not care to remember...,” begins Don Quixote's odyssey.
The most famous part is definitely when Don Quixote thinks windmills are his enemy and wants to fight them – until they nearly kill him. It’s possible there was a bit too much of the La Mancha wine at play. Spanish vines fight for their survival in rugged landscapes, battling fierce drought and rough soils. But they fight well.
