Ànima Negra ÀN/2

ÀN/2 is a little gift, but a most rewarding one, from the Mediterranean countryside, presented by a team that champions native varieties and wines with a personality all of their own.

No doubt few people have heard of varieties such as Callet or Fogoneu (or Manto Negro, although not present in all of this wine’s vintages); they are varieties found in Mallorca, adapted to its land, able to convey the special characteristics of the soil, abundant in iron oxide, and to exhibit some distinctive aromas.

ÀN/2 is a sincere wine. It is accessible, high quality, well-made, reflecting the typicality of Mallorca; it has personality, and offers a very good pleasure/price ratio.

Once in the glass, we can predict that it will be an accessible wine: a dark red Morello cherry colour but of medium density, not showing great concentration, very clean and bright. When we bring it close to the nose, we immediately appreciate the wide array of aromas. It appears very open and accessible, without being extreme: aromas of fresh, ripe fruit (cherries, strawberries, even a subtle waft of cherries in liqueur), sweet notes, of sweet strawberry, balsamic notes and a mineral background of dry stone. It is very fresh, undeniably a Mediterranean wine, enshrouded by a gentle perfume of smoky hints and lactic notes. A wine of remarkable complexity.

On the palate, that sweetness discerned on the nose contrasts with a faint bitterness which makes the wine extremely memorable. It is intense, balanced and an easy drink; generous, medium-bodied, with earthy undertones and traces of pepper which, along with its good acidity, result in a delicious, refreshing sensation. Enveloping and elegant (it makes us think of a Burgundy Pinot Noir), juicy and rounded – the memory of it is reluctant to take its leave… but not the bottle; that is easily finished and gone.

As regards the aftertaste, some light toasty nuances and scrubland notes bring the tasting to a close. Most satisfactory.