VdlT Extremadura
, Spain
Winery Overview
Mad Dogs & Englishmen is crafted from vineyards in Southern Spain where the scorching summer heat calls to
mind Noel Coward’s lyrics that only, “Mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the mid-day sun.” In the dry, sunbaked
vineyards, vines struggle to survive and as a result produce small, concentrated grapes with rich, intense flavors and
exceptional structure. Master of Wine, Norrel Robertson, and local expert Ignacio Gonzalez, make this extraordinary
red wine.
Location of Vineyard
Located 2,000 feet above sea level, high above the Mediterranean coast in the arid mountain plains of Extremadura,
Mad Dogs & Englishmen vineyards receive over 3,000 hours of sunlight each year. During the long, hot summer
days, temperatures can often reach 100 F, although it cools off dramatically at night due to the high elevation. These
climate conditions are perfect for creating ripe, intense fruit, while maintaining high acidity.
Winemaking Philosophy
Mad Dogs & Englishmen vineyards grow 30 year old Monastrell on ungrafted rootstock as well as Carignan, Mazuelo,
Tempranillo, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. Each vintage is a blend of different varieties, based on the character of
the grapes that year. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks and aging in French and American oak to create a
bold, elegant Spanish wine with raspberry aromas, cherry flavors, and a long, lingering finish.
VdlT Mallorca,
Spain
Winery Overview
Ànima Negra was founded in 1994 when three self taught friends — Pere Ignasi Obrador, Miquel Àngel Cerdà
and Frances Grimalt — decided that the wines of their native Mallorca weren’t reaching their full potential. Taking
advantage of some unused milk tanks at the dairy farm owned by Pere’s family, they made two barriques of wine
from Callet grapes (a native Mallorcan varietal) they had purchased from local farmers. The initial results were so
encouraging that the friends decided to form a partnership and continue pursuing their newly found passion for
wine, with Frances leaving the winemaking aspects of the business to Pere and Miguel Àngel.
Location of Vineyard
Situated in the southeast of Mallorca, Ànima Negra winery produces its wines on the old country estate of Son
Burguera, close to the town of Felanitx. The buildings date back to the 13th century, and contain a traditional
winemaking area, which historically was used to supply wine for locals living on and near the estate. Ànima Negra
sources its grapes from more than 135 carefully selected parcels of land that the partners either own or control.
Virtually all of these parcels are within a six mile radius of the winery, and most of the vines are 50 to 85 years old.
Winemaking Philosophy
Ànima Negra’s vines are dry farmed and are not fertilized, helping to ensure they produce small, concentrated fruit.
The resulting unique, elegant wines have garnered worldwide praise, and earned a loyal following among fine wine
enthusiasts throughout the world. In 2010, the Slow Food Movement honored Ànima Negra with induction into the
Ark of Taste.
