Abadal Mandó 2023

Abadal works in D.O. Pla de Bages, an inland Catalan appellation, and has helped rescue Mandó, a historic local variety once widespread here before the textile boom led to the vineyards being abandoned. Mandó copes well with heat and ripens at modest sugar levels, which is why this red sits at just 12.5 percent. The vines grow on the region's characteristic poor, calcareous and sandy soils, with warm days and cool nights from the inland position preserving freshness and aromatic detail. After fermentation the wine is aged for twelve months split between clay amphorae and oak barrels. The amphorae allow slow micro-oxygenation without imparting wood flavour, keeping the fruit pure and the texture supple, while the barrel portion adds a little structure. The wine is pale to medium ruby, light bodied and fresh. The nose is floral and perfumed, with red cherry, wild raspberry and rose over dried herbs and a stony earthiness. The palate is light and bright, with gentle tannin, white peach freshness and a savoury, mineral finish. Serve cool at 14 to 15 degrees. It suits roast chicken, pork and mushroom dishes.