Mendall La Torre 2023

La Torre is a field blend from Mendall, the natural wine estate Laureano Serres Montagut farms across six hectares around Pinell de Brai in Terra Alta, inland Catalonia. It brings together Garnacha and Cariñena with Macabeo, Garnacha Blanca and other white grapes, all co-fermented in the traditional manner so the white varieties lighten and perfume the red. The vineyards sit on the dry, chalky high plateau, where altitude and cool nights hold freshness and moderate alcohol. Winemaking is natural, with wild yeasts, no fining or filtration and minimal sulphur. The wine spends three months in amphora and a further two in stainless steel. Earthenware allows a slow, gentle oxygen exchange through its porous walls without adding any oak flavour, giving texture and a subtle savouriness while the steel keeps the fruit fresh. The colour is a pale, bright red. The nose shows cherry and red berries with citrus peel and a herbal, earthy lift. The palate is light and lively, with soft tannins, fresh acidity and a clean, juicy finish that carries a faint amphora-derived grip. Serve at 13 to 15 degrees, lightly chilled. It suits lighter savoury and vegetable dishes.