2004 Anima Negra AN/2

It is always a pleasure to taste a wine made from an obscure grape, something indigenous to a particular region. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of different varietals yet many people stick to only a dozen or so. Those people are missing out on so many delicious wines. I am always trying to get my friends and family to try new wines, made with less common grapes. Usually, they find something new that they enjoy.

As I mentioned before, I recently purchased a case of wine from Domaine547. That purchase included the Fort Ross Pinotage of which I previously raved. I have now tasted another of the wines I bought, the 2004 Anima Negra AN/2 ($20). How did that fare?

This is a Spanish wine and the name of the winery, Anima Negra, translates into "Black Soul", which would have made a cool Halloween wine. The winery is located on the island of Mallorca, off the eastern coast of Spain. It occupies what was once a 17th-century dairy and it is owned by three partners; Pere Obrador, Francesc Grimalt and Miguel Ángel Cerdá.

Mallorca is certainly far better known as a tourist destination rather than a top wine producing region. Yet it should not be so easily dismissed. The island currently has about 2,500 acres of vineyards, almost all located in two D.O.s: Binissalem and Pla i Llevant. Binissalem is in the center of the island while Pla i Llevant occupies the eastern side. Some producers opt out of the DO system and their wines are known as "viña de la tierra." But most of the island's production, about 60%, is only sold locally. So, it may be difficult to find Mallorcan wines in your local wine store.

There are a number of grape varietals indigenous to Mallorca including Manto Negro (the most widely planted varietal), Callet, Fogoneu, Prensal Blanc (or Moll) and Girò Blanc. Producers may also blend these with some more common varietals, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah.

The 2004 Anima Negra AN/2 is a blend of 65% Callet, 25% Manto Negro, and 10% Syrah. About 85% of the wine was aged in French oak (70% new) and 15% in stainless steel for a total of 10 months. Its alcohol content is 13.5%. Callet is said to taste like a cross between the spicy, herbal qualities of Cabernet Franc and a powerful Syrah.

The Wine Advocate (Issue #169: February 28, 2007) awarded this wine 91 points and stated: "Dark ruby-colored, with expressive toasty, smoky, kirsch and raspberry aromas and flavors, on the palate this medium to full-bodied wine is rich yet elegant, nicely layered, and has a long, pure finish. Drink this unique wine over the next 4-6 years."

I opened a bottle of the AN/2 the other night with dinner, Shepherd's Pie. I also shared another bottle with my wine buddies on a different night. So, how was it?

The wine has a very dark red color that is almost purple. It had an intriguing nose of spice and maybe some herbal notes. On the palate, there were some lush dark fruit flavors that transformed into a spicier finish. The transformation seemed very natural and was pleasing. The wine is smooth and silky, and drinks very easily. It is well balanced and the tannins do not overpower. The finish, which was fairly long, was the most unique part of the wine as it provided different flavors that I could not fully identify. There was a bit of earthiness with spicy notes. It seemed a bit more exotic because of its different flavors. I very much enjoyed this wine as did my wine buddies.

This is a wine I would definitely recommend. It went well with my dinner and I could enjoy this without food as well. I am very glad I took a chance on this wine.

Why don't you take a chance as well?