Wines Calatayud Manga del Brujo - Grenache Syrah Tempranillo Mazuelo - 2018

Viniou Reviews

Manga del Brujo 2018 from Calatayud in Aragón, Spain, is a fascinating red blend, bringing together Grenache (Garnacha), Syrah, Tempranillo, and Mazuelo (Carignan). The 2018 vintage offers generous ripeness balanced by freshness, typical of Calatayud’s high-altitude vineyards. Expect an expressive bouquet of ripe red and black fruit—cherry, blackberry, and plum—alongside notes of pepper, dried herbs, and a soft hint of vanilla from time in oak. The palate is full-bodied yet energetic, with supple tannins and a lively acidity keeping the wine vibrant. The blend format results in both fruit-forward charm from Grenache and deeper structure from Syrah and Mazuelo, underpinned by Tempranillo's classic finesse.

Calatayud is a remarkable appellation within Aragón, known for its rugged landscapes and vineyards perched between 700 and 1,000 meters above sea level. The soils here are poor in nutrients and often consist of slate and clay, which favors concentration and complexity in the grapes. The region’s semi-arid continental climate, marked by hot summers and sharp temperature variation from day to night, enables the grapes to develop rich flavors without losing their natural freshness. Winegrowing in Aragón dates back to Roman times, with Calatayud itself gaining modern acclaim in recent decades for the quality and character of its old-vine Garnacha and expressive blends.

To fully appreciate the attributes of this wine, pair Manga del Brujo 2018 with hearty dishes like grilled lamb chops, braised beef, or a classic Spanish cocido. Roast duck or game birds also work beautifully, as do chickpea stews or eggplant-based specialties such as escalivada. For a regional touch, try it alongside migas aragonesas or chorizo a la sidra. The wine’s generous fruit and spicy undertone marry well with robust flavors and aromatic herbs.

Serve Manga del Brujo at 16-18°C after a short decantation to allow the aromas and flavors to unfold. Enjoy now for its lively fruitiness, or cellar for a few more years to gain additional complexity. This bottle offers a true taste of Aragón’s proud winemaking tradition.