Ventum, Can Axartell, Mallorca, Spain

Tasting Note

'Ventum' presents in shades of inky purple with violet hues. Intense aromas of black fruits, wildflowers, minerals and liquorice from the Syrah. Balsamic notes from the Merlot grow and give way to damson plum, blackberry, leather and pepper. Barrel-aging lends a delicate smokiness to the elegant, toasted flavour

Grapes

Merlot, Syrah and Callet.

How to Drink

This wine is delicious paired with red meats, game, poultry, pasta and charcuterie - in particular serve this alongside a lamb roast!

Producer Information

Can Axartell is a winery located in the northeast of Mallorca, not far from Pollença and Puerto de Pollença. It is one of the most modern wineries of the island and, at the same time, it has a long history that goes back 800 years. Initially occupied by Moorish Muslims, the island was recaptured in 1229 by Christian conquerors who most likely discovered the vines of Can Axartell and used the grapes for the first time in winemaking. Centuries later, Hamburg-native Hans-Peter Schwarzkopf, took ownership of the estate and did a full makeover, both in building reconstruction and land management. In a commitment to preserving the land, Can Axartell vineyards are certified organic and the soils have never been harmed by harsh chemicals.

In 1999, with the first vineyards still being planted, the owners had already applied for organic certification. The soil here has never been subjected to chemical treatment, nor will it. Over time, 34 hectares of vines have been planted on the finca itself, with an additional 24 hectares planted in the interior of the island, near the city of Villafranca de Bonany. The vineyards contain both indigenous and imported varieties. Awareness has grown over the last decade that Mallorca has an unusually rich trove of indigenous grapes. The best-known red varieties are Callet and Manto Negro. Now, the winery has gained recognition for its unwavering commitment to producing outstanding wines that capture the essence of this captivating Mediterranean island, combining respect for tradition with a spirit of innovation. 

Production Information

The Ventum is a luscious red blend of Merlot, Syrah, and the native Mallorcan variety Callet. Twelve months of aging in French oak barrels imparts a smokiness on the nose and palate. 

The vineyard itself works on the Mètode Gravetat, a gravity-based system of wine production that eliminates the need for pumping. The decision to use this method also solved the eyesore of the estate's abandoned quarry, building a four-story bodega, needed to house an effective Mètode Gravetat system into the scar on the hillside and restoring the surrounding area to its natural state. The eyesore of the quarry has been subsumed into a flowing and flora-rich hillside landscape, with only the glassy facade of the bodega's reception hall hinting at the extensive building below.The position and design of the bodega ensure uniformly cool temperatures between 16 to 18 °C in the interior of the building, a positive for both the production and storage of the wines. The climate is also a joy for the employees, who can find some respite from the Mallorcan heat that routinely tops 30 and even 40 °C in summer. The use of this natural, energy-saving cooling is consistent with the estate's overall holistic, ecological and sustainable concept.