Soca-rel Manto Negro-Escursac 2024

Soca-Rel is the small Mallorcan project of Pep Rodríguez, founded in 2020 to champion the Balearic Islands' indigenous grapes. This wine blends Manto Negro, the island's pale, perfumed red variety, with the rare Escursac, both grown under the warm Mediterranean sun and cooling sea breezes that keep the fruit fresh. Manto Negro is naturally low in colour and tannin and high in alcohol, so it is handled gently to preserve its delicacy. The wine is made young, with biodynamic and natural farming, fermented with native yeasts and bottled without fining, which keeps it vivid and unforced. There is no oak ageing, so the fruit and herbal character lead. It pours a light, bright ruby and shows raspberry, cherry and redcurrant, white flowers, wild Mediterranean herbs and a touch of pepper. The palate is light and fresh, with gentle tannin, juicy red fruit and a savoury, slightly saline finish. Serve cool, at 14 to 15 degrees, in a plain glass. It is a versatile food wine, good with lighter meats and grilled fish.