Sió negre 2021
VdT, Ribas, 1500 ml
| Grape variety: | Mantonegro, Syrah, Gargollassa |
| Producer: | Bodegas Ribas |
| Origin: | Spain / Mallorca |
| Other vintages: |
Description
Concepció, or Sió for short, was the grandmother of the current generation at Bodega Ribas. She handed over the estate to her daughters in the 1980s and unwaveringly supported them in switching to making their own wines. This wine is a tribute to her - and it is therefore no coincidence that it shows so much backbone. Dark fruit, sandalwood, cinnamon, coconut and a delicate floral note on the nose, lots of freshness on the palate, paired with noticeable grip, powerful and with a Mediterranean character. The best friend for barbecues: with its spiciness, it almost calls out for grilled meat with vegetables!
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: | Spiced grillades, Rabbit ragout with olives, Saddle of lamb fillet with herb jus, Roasted lamb gigot, Roast saddle of venison, Wild fowl |
| 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.
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.
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.
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.
