“The Artist” is a limited-edition Mallorcan wine from Can Axartell, first launched on the market in 2017. It is a blend of red grapes produced in exceptional vintages in homage to Dionís Bennàssar i Mulet, the painter from
Pollença. Since the owner of the winery, the former German cosmetics entrepreneur Hans-Peter Schwarzkopf, is so partial to the work of said artist, he has honored him with one of the wines his vineyard produces with the greatest care and dedication.
But this vintage is even more special because they have taken the opportunity to commemorate the centenary of the passing of the great Mallorcan poet Miquel Costa i Llobera, adorning the label with a portrait by renowned artist Bennàssar himself.
| Just a Sip | |
|---|---|
| Rating |
 |
| Winery | Can Axartell (Pollença) |
| Blend | Syrah, Merlot, Callet |
| Style | Spanish Red |
| Designation | Vi de la Terra de Mallorca |
| Cellar Time | 5-10 years |
| Food Pairing | Mallorcan lamb |
The Bodega
Can Axartell
Located near the town of Pollença, at the northern end of Mallorca, Can Axartell is one of the most modern estates on the island but at the same time it is closely linked to the rich historical tradition that unites the island with wine production. In fact, in 1229, in the Allocation Book of King Jaume I, we can find the first records where the name of the estate appears, and there is evidence that wine was already being produced on these lands since the 16th century.
From its main floor, located in the depths of an old quarry, the bodega aims to embody a philosophy grounded in respect for the terroir and the fruits it offers. That is why all the soils in their vineyards have been carefully prepared for organic farming since the beginning.
In addition, they made a considerable investment in the architectural design of the winery to build facilities adapted to the Gravetat Method. In this system, the musts move exclusively by force of gravity, excluding from the equation processes that could be aggressive with the raw ingredients and affect the quality of the wine.
The Blend
Syrah, Merlot, Callet
“The Artist” is the result of vintages where some grape varieties have produced particularly good results. To do this, the winemaker Joan Manuel Ochogavia selects the best barrels that he then mixes in a perfect alchemy.
2020 was made based on a blend of 70 percent Syrah, 20 percent Merlot and 10 percent Callet. The blend then rests for twelve months in 225-liter French oak barrels, of which approximately 70 percent are new, and the remaining 30 percent second use.
In this way, the genuine expression of the fruit and the terroir is guaranteed while still providing the necessary contribution of tannins to achieve a greater depth of nuances and greater aging potential that guarantees its optimal evolution over time.
On the Nose
This is a red wine with a complex nose and good aromatic intensity. At first contact, some reductive notes are distinguished that, far from being interpreted as negative, give it a certain sophistication.
Primary aromas immediately emerge, represented primarily by floral and fruity notes of violets and black fruit, such as plum and currant. After shaking the glass, the notes of aging appear, which gain greater prominence as it gains oxygen. Among them, the spicy nuances and a certain balsamic contribution stand out, as well as notes of tobacco and chocolate, which clearly denote the benefits of aging in high-quality French oak barrels.
Palate
It’s at this moment that the blend reveals all its concentration and depth, delivering an unctuous body, good structure and a volume that invades the entire mouth.
Here we perceive some frank notes that once again evoke memories of black fruit, with a soft, sweet touch that brings to mind some candied or raisined nuance. That delicate sweetness is seen perfectly complemented by the expressive tones that are typical of the Syrah grape, where the spicy notes of pepper and anise emerge.
Of course, we also find clear evidence of its passage through new woods, which are manifested in memories of cedar and vanilla. Finally, and as it could not be otherwise, the earthy nuances typical of a terrain soaked in the salt of the Mediterranean come to light; a minerality that marks their wines permanently and indelibly, to differentiate them from the rest and rank them as the indisputable fruit of their scarce land.
Texture and Balance
Clearly we have a high-quality wine on our hands. It delivers energetic acidity, good body and good persistence. Yet at the same time, it displays silky tannins and controlled intensity, bringing out all its elegance and balance.
Food Pairings
All the characteristics described so far are those that make up great wines. And these are the ones that, as a general rule, give sommeliers more freedom to pair varied culinary specialties, since they are ideal for accompanying dishes with intense flavors such as stews, game meats, red meats or even desserts. In this case, I am sure that this wine would combine perfectly with a good shoulder of lamb roasted with rosemary, with its accompaniment of potatoes and sweet potatoes. Not only because this is a classic representative of traditional Mallorcan cuisine but because it is one of my favorites.
Final Verdict
Can Axartell is a winery that works remarkably in all its ranges, but without a doubt, the Artist is one of its best examples. That is why I consider that 4.5 points out of a possible five is a more than justified rating, which the wine has earned of its own merit. Due to this and everything expressed in this review that I consider it unnecessary to end the article recommending it. Because if you have reached this point without craving the Artist, then I have done my job very poorly.