Most of the wines made in Mallorca are geared towards the thirsty tourist hordes and do not aspire to excellence.  However there are a few wineries making some really outstanding wines.  One of the pioneers on the island was the winery Anima Negra, which has been making some of Spain’s top wines since the mid-90s.  Anima Negra has always been faithful to the island indigenous varieties of Callet, Fogoneu, and Mantonegro, though they sometimes blend in small quantities of Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah.  They have a top wine that they only make in the best years called Anima Negre Son Negre, retail over 100€.  Their flagship wine, the one that built their reputation is simply called Anima Negra and retails for about 30€.  They are both fantastic wines, though pricy. 

Today I want to introduce you to AN2, Anima Negra’s second wine, an original and tasty wine that gives a good introduction to the potential of Mallorcan wines.

Wine:  AN2 2005
Winery:  Anima Negra
Denominacion de Origen (DO): Vino de la Tierra Islas Baleares
Alc: 13.5%
Grape variety: 65% Callet, 20% Mantonegro/Fogoneu, 15% Syrah
Oak regime:  aged 12 months in French (70%) and American oak
Price:  around 12€ retail in Madrid

Tasting notes
Visual:  Pretty medium ruby…pale for a Spanish red
Nose:  Cherry yogurt nose with some unusual mineral notes…quite intriguing and original.  
Mouth:  Very fresh acidy, almost lean by Spanish standards…lovely earthy, mineral, savoury notes…cherry, raspberry and vanilla fruit with medium tannins.  Medium length…attractive finish.    Good balance  
Food:  This would be good with everyday food…rice dishes, mushroom and egg dishes…earthiness and acidity makes it a good match. 

Conclusion:  Such an original wine….not the cookie-cutter Tempranillo that dominates in Spain.  Not too heavy on the alcohol front and very fresh in terms of acidity….which makes it easy to drink!  The original aromas are the mineral ones.  Not a mainstream Spanish wine but really lovely…a great intro wine for Anima Negra at a good price.