*tasting note at the bottom

**Part of the ‘Spanish Value Experiment

Jimenez-Landi’s Bajondillo 2016 is up next, a Garnacha dominated wine from the high-altitude region of DO Mentrida, just south of Madrid. Having recently showcased their vibrant, peppery Sotorrondero at our recent ‘The New Face of Spanish Garnacha’ tasting, I was excited to see how their entry level wine would compare. Whilst Mentrida is arguably better known for spawning the first of the ‘Vinos de Pago’ classified estates, Dominio de Valdepusa, it’s the northern part of the region that starts climbing the Sierra de Gredos mountains that is of real interest to me.

This is where Jose and Dani started their project together, on their old family estate in DO Mentrida. The high altitudes mitigate the scorching summers of the region and the focus on indigenous grapes such as Garnacha makes for some very terroir-specific wines. Jimenez-Landi take a hands-off approach but I wouldn’t lump them into the ‘natural’ wine category, as they’re quite pragmatic with So2 additions, barrel regimes and clarification. Still, the high-toned, fresh nature of their Garnacha from vineyards up to 850m above sea-level means that heavy-handed wine-making is likely to detract from the final wine.

Tasting Note

85% Garnacha, 10% Syrah and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon from younger vines on their estate. Fermented in stainless steel and aged for 6 months in neutral French oak before bottling. 14.5% ABV

I love the pale, ‘Pinot-like’ colour of these high altitude, Garnacha based wines. Then on the nose; lots of fun! Ripe strawberries and red berries tumble out, with a characteristic note of white pepper, wet stones, light toast and even a hint of green bell pepper (Cabernet Sauvignon makes itself known even in tiny proportions!). Very fresh on the palate, with light but firm tannins and a lovely, sweet-fruited flavour profile. Playful and fruity, yet with a lovely wet-stone sensation on the finish. A dangerous wine at 14.5% ABV considering how quickly it disappeared from my glass! 90Pts.

Purchased from Vinissimus for €7.50