Wines Alella Mas d'en Gil - Bellmunt Negre - 2020

Mas d'en Gil's Cuvée Bellmunt Negre 2020 hails from the renowned Alella appellation in Catalonia, Spain. This red wine, bottled in the classic 75 cl format, showcases the region's unique approach to winemaking. While the precise blend of grapes is not specified, red wines from Alella often feature local varieties such as Garnacha (Grenache) or possibly Syrah or Tempranillo, contributing to a medium-bodied structure with lively fruit character and gentle spice. The 2020 vintage experienced a relatively mild growing season in much of Catalonia, typically resulting in wines that strike a balance between freshness and ripe fruit expression. Vinification methods in this area often respect the natural qualities of the terroir, preserving vibrant flavours and aromatic complexity.

Alella is one of Spain's smallest and oldest DOs, nestled just north of Barcelona along the Mediterranean coast. The region benefits from a temperate climate, where sea breezes and a generous amount of sunshine help grapes achieve optimal maturity, while cool nights preserve acidity. Soils here, known as 'sauló,' are predominantly composed of granitic sand, which drains well and limits vine vigour, resulting in concentrated grapes with expressive aromatics. Alella’s winemaking tradition dates back to Roman times, and today its whites are better known, but reds such as this one are increasingly recognised for their elegance and character.

Cuvée Bellmunt Negre's fresh and balanced style makes it a versatile wine at the table. Pair it with classic Catalan dishes like botifarra sausage with white beans or escalivada (grilled vegetables). It also complements Mediterranean lamb, herbed roast chicken, or a simple selection of cured meats and hard cheeses. Its fruit-forward nature and gentle tannins allow for pairing with both hearty and lighter fare.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine slightly cool, at around 14-16°C. Decanting for 30 minutes before serving can help the aromas open up and the palate to soften, revealing the full character and nuance of this intriguing expression from Alella.