Abadal Mandó | 2020

Also known as Garró, Mandó was close to extinction, saved by a few growers in Catalonia who recognized the grape's wonderfully fruity aromas and ability to adapt to escalating heat. Located about a forty-minute drive north of Barcelona, Valentí Roqueta grew-up in the serene forest of the Pla de Bages wine region. He founded Abadal in 1983 on the land surrounding his family's farmhouse. Since then, Roqueta has been a guiding light, helping to establish the region as a D.O. (in 1995) and giving indigenous grapes like, Picapoll and Mandó, their niche in the wine world. Light, tart, and "Beaujolais" like, it's impossible to fathom that this Mandó red comes from an era of blistering climate change. Aged for 12 months in oak and amphora, it bounces on the palate with crushed red fruits, licorice, and forest spices. It feels kind-of French and not really Spanish, something, uniquely Catalan. ~Allegra A