Sió negre 2020
VdT, Ribas, 6000 ml
| Grape variety: | Mantonegro, Syrah, Gargollassa |
| Producer: | Bodegas Ribas |
| Origin: | Spain / Mallorca |
| Other bottle sizes: | |
| Other vintages: |
Description
If the grandmother's name adorns the label, the content must also satisfy her strict judgement. Its noble ageing in barriques shows Sió with notes of coconut, honey and cigar box. A hint of rose and hibiscus, the impression of sun-ripened raspberries and rose hips, cinnamon and star anise form its aromatic fan. Full-bodied, with a strong, balanced body and pleasantly perceptible tannins, it shows itself as a wine with an expressive Mediterranean character.
The Winery of the Year 2024/2025
Bodega Ribas Mallorca is our Winery of the Year until April 2025!
Just 22 kilometres from Palma de Mallorca, in the picturesque village of Consell, the family-run Bodega Ribas has been growing wine for more than 300 years. Over the next twelve months, Bodega Ribas will accompany us with its Mediterranean charm as Winery of the Year and take us on a sensory journey to the marvellous Balearic Islands.
Attributes
| Origin: | Spain / Mallorca |
| Grape variety: | Mantonegro, Syrah, Gargollassa |
| Label: | Certified organic or biodynamic wine |
| Ripening potential: | 2 to 8 years after harvest |
| Drinking temperature: | 16 to 18 °C |
| Food Pairing: | Cold fish dish, dried meat, Spiced grillades, Saddle of lamb fillet with herb jus, Roast saddle of venison, Wild fowl, Spicy hard cheese |
| Vinification: | long must fermentation, fermentation in steel tank, protein fining, fermentation at low temperatures |
| Harvest: | hand-picking, strict selection, in small boxes, selecting the grapes (by hand) |
| Maturation: | in partly new and used barriques/ Pièces |
| Bottling: | no filtration |
| Maturation duration: | 12 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.
Gargollassa
Nearly extinct, today seductively full of temper
This red vine has been cultivated on the Balearic island of Mallorca since 1711. It is more alive than ever, and always good for surprising novelties. But this was not always the case; around the turn of the millennium, the Gargollassa vine faced extinction. In 2000, there were only four vines on the whole of Mallorca.
But thanks to a group of passionate vintners, wine from Gargollassa grapes can once again be found on shelves. These vintners began by systematically cultivating the four remaining vines in their vineyards.
Gorgollassa yields a sensual, very seductive wine, reminiscent of a fine Pinot Noir. It is full of strength and character, with charm and finesse. In the nose, wild berries and red fruits typically present themselves, along with a piquant, peppery zest. On the palate, inelegantly named Gargollasa flatters with a silky texture and animating freshness.
Gargollassa ergibt einen sinnlichen, sehr verführerischen Wein, der an einen edlen Pinot Noir erinnert. Temperament- und kraftvoll, mit Charme und Finesse. In der Nase zeigen sich typischerweise Waldbeeren und rote Früchte, dazu eine pikante, pfeffrige Würze. Am Gaumen schmeichelt der wenig schöne Name Gargollassa sehr elegant mit seidiger Textur und einer trinkanimierenden Frische.
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.
