Atlan & Artisan 8 Vents 2022

Atlan & Artisan 8 Vents is a red from Vi de la Terra Mallorca, blending Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with the island's native Manto Negro and Callet. Mallorca has a long viticultural history that its growers are steadily rebuilding, and the island's many microclimates come from the Mediterranean Sea and the winds that cross it, the reference behind the name 8 Vents, meaning eight winds. Those sea breezes moderate the summer heat and help the grapes keep freshness and aromatic definition. The international varieties bring structure and dark fruit while Manto Negro and Callet add local character, red fruit and a lighter, perfumed lift. The grapes are destemmed on arrival and fermented before the wine spends 16 months in French oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange softens the tannin and adds vanilla and spice. It is deep cherry red. The nose leads with cherry and plum over pepper, dried herbs and a balsamic note, and the palate is full bodied at 14.5 percent, ripe and structured, with firm tannin and a warm, savoury finish. Decant and serve at 17 degrees with grilled and roasted meats.