El Escoces Volante Manga Del Brujo

El Escocés Volante is a project in Aragón, the work of Norrel Robertson MW and his family. His wine journey began in Edinburgh three decades ago and led him part-way around the world, to Portugal, Italy, France, Australia, Chile and New Zealand - before settling in Spain in 2003.

Inspired by the terroir and the sheer quality of the Garnacha he found there - this grape became his initial focus and drive, seeking out and retrieving old Garnacha vineyards. This ‘mission’ has extended to other varieties, including an old Macabeo vineyard, planted in 1969.

As well as working closely with a select group of local growers who share his philosophy, Norrel today owns 40 hectares of mainly old vine Garnacha (between 50 and 115 years old) along with other indigenous varieties such as Mazuelo (Carignan), Moristel, Macabeo, Garnacha Gris and Provechón. El Escocés Volante have also undertaken a programme of new plantings - to create the old vines of the future. Their vineyards are based around the towns of Villarroya de la Sierra, Cervera de la Cañada, Torralba, Aniñon and Torrijo de la Cañada, 650 - 1,000 metres above sea level.

El Escocés Volante are members of the Regenerative Viticulture Association in Spain. They have been organic in practice since 2014, and have recently started the certification process. They don't use pesticides, they maintain a cover crop during winter months and create their own biochar from vine cuttings. All of their vineyards are dry grown. In the winery their bottles are 88% recycled glass and they have been moving to lighter-weight versions.

Garnacha, Syrah, Bobal, Mazuelo

This wine is born in the free-draining chalk and clay soils of the slopes of Monte Armantes in the Ribota Valley of Calatayud, at 600-800 metres altitude. It is a blend of predominantly old vine Garnacha (70%) along with 15% Syrah, 10% Provechón (aka Bobal) and 5% Mazuelo. This wine lends to a more savoury style due to the inclusion of 10% Provechón, extended maceration and the fermentation of Garnacha over Syrah skins.

A really characterful, black-fruited blend, combining fresh acidity, savoury characters and lifted notes of mountain herbs.

Pronounced aromas of black fruits with hints of cracked pepper, thyme and lavender. The palate has a concentration of bright blackberry and black cherry characters alongside fresh acidity. It's full-bodied and complex with well-balanced tannins and a long, savoury, herbal finish.