Sòtil 2019

Tasting note by Christoph Raffelt from 10.03.2020, Copyright Christoph Raffelt

During the Sòtil - in German Ridge, with a view of the sky, see label - was always a cuvée until 2017, Bàrbara Mesquida Mora has switched to using only the indigenous Callet grape variety, which is mainly found in Felanitx as well as in her 67-year-old d'Es Pou de Sa Carrera vineyard in the home village of Porrera. The grapes were mostly destemmed and fermented in open 500-litre oak barrels. Afterwards, the Callet matured in different vessels, in used barriques, in cellar amphorae and in stainless steel.

Bright ruby red, bright reflections

The Sótil appears neither lush nor not. It is much more characterized by finesse, light tones and nuances of berry fruits. While one first encounters elderberry, rosehip and sour cherries, the nose evolves towards morello cherries and later also a little raspberry yoghurt. These subtly lactic notes are in no way distracting, if anything they underpin the distinctly fruity impression. A little ground white pepper and white flowers add aromatic peaks. The tangerine skin and zest suggest a refined acidity in this old-vine Callet.

The autochthonous variety Callet presents itself here amazingly fine and slender. With its 12% Vol. it is a positive example in the warm climate. The Sòtil is juicy, biting and lives from an immense acid pressure. No tannin, no unnecessary fruit sweetness, but some extract on the palate. The finish is crisp and immediately triggers the desire for another sip. Full of finesse, this is a very modern interpretation of a Callet.