Cati Ribot Son Llebre Negre 2023

Cati Ribot farms native Mallorcan varieties on the Balearic island, and Son Llebre Negre is built on Escursac and Callet, two grapes barely grown beyond Spain's coastline. The island's Mediterranean climate brings warm days tempered by sea breezes, and the limestone and clay soils give wines that stay fresh despite the heat. Ribot works biodynamically and with little intervention, fermenting with native yeasts and ageing the wine four months in oak barrels, enough to round the texture without marking it with wood. At 12 percent alcohol this sits at the lighter end of red wine, and the short oak window keeps the fruit clear and the tannins fine. The colour is bright and translucent. The nose shows wild red berries, cherry and red currant lifted by thyme and a scrubland note of dried herbs. The palate is juicy and savoury, with gentle grip, fresh acidity and an earthy, sun-baked finish typical of warm island fruit. Serve it lightly chilled at around 14 degrees in a standard glass. It suits charcuterie, roast pork and lighter vegetable plates, where its freshness keeps the table moving.