History and Origin
Negramoll is a dark-skinned grape variety.
Origin: The grape originated in Andalusia, a region in southern Spain. Over time, it spread to the Canary Islands and Madeira. In Madeira, it’s known as Tinta Negra Mole.
Related Varieties: Studies show that Negramoll is the same as Mollar Cano, a variety from Andalusia. This indicates that its roots are deeply tied to the Spanish mainland.
Migration: The grape was likely transported to the Canary Islands and Madeira by early settlers. Its adaptability made it popular in these regions, where it found a suitable climate and soil.
Production: In the Canary Islands, where it is predominantly grown, Negramoll is used primarily for making table wine. The grape produces wines with a deep cherry colour and aromas of red berries and toffee.
Negramoll is also found in Peru, highlighting its spread beyond Europe. Despite being abundant, its significance has declined in recent decades, particularly in Portugal’s Algarve region.
Viticulture
Negramoll, a red grape variety, is predominantly cultivated in the Canary Islands. It is known for its thin skin and large berries, which produce wines that are light-bodied yet aromatic.
The vines are generally ungrafted and thrive near the ocean, at altitudes around 300 meters above sea level. This coastal climate offers a unique terroir that benefits the growth of Negramoll grapes.
Negramoll is often aged in neutral barrels for about six months. This short aging process helps maintain its fresh and fruity character, contributing to its easy-drinking quality.
In Peruvian wine regions, Negramoll is sometimes blended with other varieties like Listán Prieto to create unique wines. These blends are known for their complexity and depth.
The grape is also called Mollar Cano in various regions, reinforcing its importance in different viticultural practices. It produces wine with a deep cherry colour, characterized by aromas of red berries and toffee.
Victoria Torres Pecis, a notable winemaker, highlights the versatility of Negramoll by sourcing grapes from different altitudes on the island. This practice showcases the grape’s adaptability and the diverse flavours it can produce.
The cultivation practices for Negramoll emphasize sustainability and traditional methods, making it a hero in contemporary Canarian viticulture.
Wine Characteristics
Negramoll wines are primarily produced in the Canary Islands. The grape is known for its deep cherry colour and aromatic profile. This makes it a favourite among wine enthusiasts.
Negramoll wines often have notes of red berries and a hint of toffee. These flavours make the wine easy to drink and enjoyable. The wines tend to be light to medium-bodied, which adds to their versatility.
Aroma and Flavor Profile
- Color: Deep cherry
- Aromas: Red berries, toffee
- Taste: Light to medium-bodied, balanced acidity
These wines are best enjoyed young, but some can age gracefully due to the rich concentration of flavours in the old vines. The vines, untouched by Phylloxera, yield grapes with a naturally high flavour concentration.
Ideal Pairings
Negramoll wines pair well with a variety of foods. They are versatile and can be enjoyed with different dishes. Perfect pairings include:
- Cheese platters
- Grilled meats
- Light pasta dishes
Alcohol Content: These wines usually have an ABV around 13.5%, providing a balanced drinking experience.
Special Notes
Negramoll is also known as Mollar Cano on the Spanish mainland and Tinta Negra Mole on Madeira. This variety is truly unique, making for an interesting and flavourful wine choice that captures the essence of the Canary Islands.
Key Regions
Negramoll is predominantly found in the Canary Islands. This grape variety thrives on the islands’ volcanic soil, which contributes to the unique taste of its wine.
In the Iberian Peninsula, Negramoll is grown under the name Mollar Cano. It is less common but still notable in regions like Andalusia.
The grape is also cultivated in Madeira, Portugal, where it is known as Tinta Negra Mole. Madeira’s climate and soil provide favorable conditions for this variety.
Portugal’s Algarve region also grows Negramoll, where it is called Negra Mole. The warm climate of Algarve helps produce high yields of this grape.
Other regions where Negramoll can be found include parts of Spain, Argentina, and Chile, under various synonyms like Mollar, Mulata, and Negra Criolla.
This variety’s adaptability to different climates and soils makes it versatile and widely planted across these key regions.
Wine Styles
Negramoll is a red grape variety predominantly grown in the Canary Islands. It produces a range of wines, from light and aromatic to more intense styles.
Dry Red Wines: These wines are often easy to drink with a bright cherry colour. Aromas typically include red berries and toffee. The light structure pairs well with various foods.
Fortified Wines: On the island of Madeira, Negramoll is used to make fortified styles. These wines are richer and usually have higher alcohol content. They are known for their complex flavours and longevity.
Organic and Low-intervention Wines: Some producers focus on organic and low-intervention methods. This results in wines that emphasize purity and expression of the grape. These wines are highly sought after for their unique character and depth.
| Style | Characteristics | Common Regions |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Red | Light, aromatic, red berries, toffee | Canary Islands |
| Fortified | Rich, higher alcohol, complex flavours | Madeira |
| Organic/Low-intervention | Pure, expressive, unique character | La Palma, Canary Islands |
Each style offers something distinct, making Negramoll a versatile grape variety.
Food Pairing
Negramoll, a black grape variety from Spain, often found in the Canary Islands, pairs well with a variety of dishes due to its low tannin structure.
Cheese Pairings:
- Mature, hard cheeses
Main Courses:
- Roasted chicken or poultry
- Grilled seafood
- Ham dishes
- Mediterranean vegetable tray bakes
Serving Temperature:
Best served at 14-16°C (57-61°F)
Given its delicate nature, Negramoll is versatile and enhances simple, well-seasoned meals. The wine’s deep cherry colour and red berry aromas complement the savory notes of these dishes effectively.
Notable Wines and Tasting Notes
Negramoll is a red grape variety mainly found in the Canary Islands. It is used to produce wines that are easy to drink, with a distinct cherry colour.
Bodegas Viñátigo Negramoll 2018
- Origin: Tenerife, Canary Islands
- Tasting Notes: This wine offers fresh notes of cherries and red plums. It is known for its volcanic character and has a complexity in its aroma.
- Rating: 89.8 points (average from 5 reviews)
Negramoll by Ben Franks
Ben Franks reviewed a Negramoll wine from 2022. He described this wine as having:
- Fruit Profile: Concentrated cherries and red plums
- Comments: The wine shows volcanic poise and complex aroma
General Tasting Notes
- Flavors: Negramoll wines often have bold flavours such as black cherry, plum, and blackberry.
- Aromas: Red berries and toffee are common.
- Color: Deep cherry
- Style: Usually made to be easy-to-drink table wines
Food Pairings
Negramoll pairs well with foods that emphasize its fruity and aromatic qualities. Some recommended pairings include:
- Barbecue Chicken Pizza
- Pulled Pork Sandwiches
- Teriyaki Dishes
These food choices bring out the natural sweetness and complexity of Negramoll wines.
For a grape variety that thrives on volcanic soil, the characteristics of Negramoll wines are both unique and approachable, making them a noteworthy option for wine enthusiasts.
Current Trends and Future Outlook
Negramoll, a red grape variety, is gaining recognition for its unique qualities. Predominantly found in the Canary Islands, it is known for producing easy-to-drink table wines with deep cherry colours and aromas of red berries and toffee.
The grape is also grown on Madeira under the name Tinta Negra Mole. This suggests its origins might lie on the Spanish mainland, specifically Andalusia, where it is called Mollar Cano. This variety’s adaptability makes it a favourite in diverse regions.
Recent Trends
- Increased Cultivation: Wine producers in the Canary Islands are focusing more on Negramoll due to its growing popularity.
- Quality Over Quantity: There’s a shift towards producing more aromatic and refined wines rather than just increasing volume.
- Sustainable Practices: Many vineyards are adopting sustainable and organic farming techniques to enhance the quality of Negramoll wines.
Future Outlook
- Expanding Markets: With its unique flavour profile, Negramoll could appeal to international markets beyond Spain and Portugal.
- Research and Development: Investment in R&D could lead to better cultivation methods and new blends to enhance the grape’s characteristics.
- Tourism Boost: Wine tourism in the Canary Islands is likely to increase, with Negramoll serving as an attraction for wine enthusiasts.
As trends evolve, Negramoll’s growth and market presence are expected to rise, making it a notable grape variety in the wine industry.
