Son Vell 2018

Son Vell is made by the Sureda family, a father and son team who farm their own vineyards organically at Manacor on Mallorca. They sell most of their fruit to other wineries and keep a small amount to make their own wine from the island's native Callet and Fogoneu grapes, working to old local traditions and without pesticides or herbicides. The Balearic climate is warm and dry with strong maritime influence, and these varieties give lighter framed, aromatic reds rather than heavy ones. Ageing runs to twelve months in used French oak barrels, so the wood adds texture and a little grip without covering the fruit. The colour is a bright medium red. The nose shows black and red fruits, with clear notes of Mediterranean herbs, garrigue and a hint of undergrowth. The palate is fresh, smooth and juicy, light to medium bodied, with soft tannins and an easy, savoury finish. This is an approachable red to drink young, and it takes a light chill well in warm weather. Serve at 14 to 15 degrees. It suits grilled pork, poultry and lighter Mediterranean dishes.