Ànima Negra ‘AN/2’ 2023

Ànima Negra 'AN/2' is a red from VT Illes Balears, made on Mallorca from the island's indigenous Callet, Manto Negro and Fogoneu rounded out with Syrah. Founded in 1994, the winery built its name on island wines that hold true to local character. The climate is distinctly Mediterranean, with significant temperature swings between hot summer days and cooler nights, a range that lets the native grapes ripen fully while keeping the wine fresh and savoury rather than jammy. Callet brings perfume and a light, supple frame, Manto Negro adds body and structure, Fogoneu lends aroma, and Syrah deepens the colour and spice. Farming is sustainable. The wine ages thirteen months in French and American oak barrels, where the slow oxygen exchange softens the tannin and adds spice and a touch of chocolate and toast while the island fruit stays forward. It is medium to full bodied, with cherry, ripe red and black fruit, a herbal, earthy edge, black pepper and a whisper of chocolate, finishing savoury and long. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees and decant briefly. It suits roast lamb, grilled beef and mushroom dishes.