Mendall La Torre Garnatxa Roig 2023

Mendall, led by winemaker Laureano Serres, is a pioneering natural wine producer based in Terra Alta, Catalonia, Spain. Laureano has been producing wines under the Mendall label since 1999, making him one of the region's early adopters of zero-intervention winemaking. His philosophy is rooted in organic farming, spontaneous fermentation, and eliminating sulfur additions. After an accidental omission of sulfur in 2002, which led to a successful wine, Laureano has continued to create wines without any added sulfites​.

Mendall's vineyards, located at altitudes of up to 500 meters, are planted on limestone-rich soils. These conditions impart freshness and minerality to his wines, which are vibrant expressions of the terroir. Laureano's range includes wines like BB Blanc, a blend of Garnacha Blanca and Macabeo, and other varietal wines bottled young, capturing the energy and rawness of his winemaking approach​. Laureano's influence in the Catalan wine scene has been profound, inspiring other local winemakers to return to traditional, natural methods. His role in organizing natural wine fairs like H2O Vegetal, which has become a prominent event in the European natural wine circuit​, is a testament to his influence and dedication to the craft.

The Catalonia wine region in northeastern Spain is one of the country's most dynamic and diverse wine areas. With a long history of winemaking that dates back to the Romans, Catalonia has developed into a region known for its innovation, high-quality wines, and a mix of traditional and modern techniques. The region's unique geographic diversity, ranging from coastal plains to high mountain areas, allows for cultivating a wide variety of grapes and styles of wine.

Geography and Climate

Catalonia's geographical diversity is one of its defining features. Stretching from the Pyrenees mountains in the north to the Mediterranean coast, the region experiences a range of microclimates, from warm coastal breezes to cooler, mountainous areas. This climatic variability enables the region to produce a range of wine styles, from fresh, crisp whites to powerful reds. Vineyards are planted at various elevations, with some of the highest located at over 700 meters, while others thrive in the lower plains along the Mediterranean Sea​.

The soils in Catalonia are equally diverse, ranging from limestone and clay to slate and granite, depending on the sub-region. This variety in terroir greatly influences the flavor profiles of the wines, giving each area within Catalonia a distinct identity.

Grape Varieties

Catalonia is home to both indigenous and international grape varieties. Among the native grapes, Macabeo, Parellada, and Xarel-lo are essential for producing Cava, Spain's famous sparkling wine originated in this region. Catalonia is the heart of Cava production, with Sant Sadurní d'Anoia being the center of this sparkling wine industry.

For red wines, Garnacha (Grenache) and Cariñena (Carignan) are the most widely planted indigenous varieties, known for producing rich, bold wines. The region is also known for blending these local grapes with international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah, creating wines that combine traditional Spanish characteristics with modern influences​.

Wine Sub-regions

Catalonia is divided into several Denominaciones de Origen (DO), each offering distinct wines. Some of the most notable DOs include:

• Priorat: One of only two Spanish regions to receive the top-tier DOCa classification (Denominación de Origen Calificada), Priorat is renowned for its powerful, concentrated red wines made primarily from Garnacha and Cariñena. The region's steep, terraced vineyards, planted on unique slate soils known as "llicorella," produce some of Spain's most prestigious wines​
• Penedès: This is Catalonia's largest and most well-known DO, famous for producing Cava. Penedès also produces a range of still wines from indigenous and international grape varieties, including whites, rosés, and reds. The region is an innovation hub, particularly in organic and biodynamic winemaking.​
• Montsant: Surrounding Priorat, Montsant is a rising star in the Catalan wine scene. The wines here are often described as more approachable than those of Priorat, yet still rich, with a focus on Garnacha and Cariñena.​
• Empordà: Located near the French border, Empordà is one of Catalonia's oldest wine-producing regions. Its proximity to the Mediterranean gives its wines a distinctive saline note, especially in its fresh whites and rosés. The reds, often made from Garnacha and Syrah, are also highly regarded​

Winemaking and Innovation

Catalonia's winemakers are known for their innovative spirit, often blending traditional methods with cutting-edge techniques. Many regional producers focus on organic and biodynamic farming, reducing the use of chemicals and emphasizing sustainability. The natural wine movement emphasizes minimal intervention in the vineyard and the cellar and has also taken root in Catalonia. Producers like Laureano Serres from Mendall are pioneers of this approach, crafting wines that express the terroir without additives or manipulation​.

Catalonia is also at the forefront of sparkling wine innovation. While Cava remains a significant part of the region's wine identity, many winemakers are exploring other forms of sparkling wine, including Pet-Nat (pétillant naturel), which is made using a single fermentation process in the bottle. This reflects the region's openness to experimentation and adaptation of global wine trends​.

The Catalonia wine region is a rich and varied landscape in geography and winemaking styles. Its blend of tradition and innovation and its unique terroir make it one of Spain's most exciting wine regions. Whether producing age-worthy reds from Priorat, fresh whites from Penedès, or experimental natural wines, Catalonia continues to push the boundaries of what Spanish wine can offer.