Soca-rel Politxó Negre Esperó de Gall 2024

Soca-rel is the project of Pep Rodríguez, a Mallorcan vigneron who farms native and near-lost island grapes in D.O. Binissalem Mallorca, in the Balearic Islands. Esperó de gall is one of those varieties, almost extinct until a handful of growers brought it back, and here it makes a light, perfumed red. Mallorca has a warm Mediterranean climate cooled by sea air, and the limestone and clay soils of Binissalem give the wine freshness and a savoury lift. Farming is natural, organic and certified, with the vineyard worked to follow the rhythms of the season. Vinification is deliberately simple, fermented with native yeast and held six months in stainless steel rather than oak, which protects the bright primary fruit and the wine's delicate aromatics. The colour is a light, vivid red. The nose is fresh and floral, with red berries, redcurrant and a hint of white flowers and dried herbs. The palate is light bodied and juicy, with crisp acidity, fine tannin and a clean, lively finish that makes it easy to drink young. Serve at 13 to 15 degrees, lightly chilled. It suits charcuterie, light pork dishes and salads.