Bodega Mesquida Mora ‘Sincronia’ 2016
*tasting note at the bottom
**Part of the ‘Spanish Value Experiment‘
So, time to kick off the ‘Spanish value experiment’. As I’m storing the wines on the floor of my already crowded ‘study’, they’re being picked at complete random like some sort of arcade game for alcoholics. First up is a brightly labelled blend, Sincronia 2016, from Mallorca which since 2007 has had it’s own ‘vino de la tierra’ status, presumably an appellation for anyone who wants to branch out and use different varieties and methods to those approved for DO Binissalem and DO Pla I Llevant. Most of the world knows Mallorca as a beautiful, tranquil holiday destination with a strong connection to neighbouring Catalunya, and as a gastronomic paradise for seafood lovers; wine production is comparatively in the shadows. Truth be told, outside of celebrated wineries such as 4 Kilos, Anima Negra and Miquel Gelabert, I am quite ignorant myself so a very good choice to start with!
Bodega Mesquida is a winery whose products I’ve certainly seen before (the labels really are very bright), but can’t remember ever having had the opportunity to taste them. Like many smaller land owners in Spain, their family has been growing grapes and making some level of wine for about as long as anyone can remember, but until very recently it was humbly made stuff, mostly designed to quench the thirst of local farmers during the warm, Mediterranean summers. Then, an often encountered story; a younger generation took over and started to change direction. Barbara and Jaume, the 4th generation of the Mesquida family, have been running the estate since 2004 aiming to improve both the quality and their environmental footprint, with over 6 years of biodynamic viticulture under their belts. There’s an encouraging amount of indigenous grape varieties in their portfolio (Callet, Mantonegro, Premsal etc), which even when blended with international grapes seem to take the dominant role.
Tasting Note
Mantonegro, Callet, Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in decreasing proportions. Biodynamically farmed and aged for 4 months in French oak. 14% ABV.
Blends of many varieties, whilst offering the wine-maker many different options, do run the risk of muddling and tasting generic, particularly at lower price points. I’m happy to say that isn’t the case here!
A lovely bright, ruby colour and full of interest on the nose. Ripe black cherries, red berries, damson and licorice are prominent with a gentle suggestion of oak ageing and soft floral notes; very Mediterranean, and even more so on the palate where the juicy, plump, violet-tinged fruit takes over completely. Refreshing and balanced. No real fireworks but at this price point you wouldn’t expect there to be, yet I would very happily order a glass of this anytime. 89Pts.
Purchased from Vinissimus for €9.95