Marfil Semi Dulce 1975 Gran Reserva

Wine: Marfil Semi Dulce 1975 Gran Reserva
Winery: Bodega Cooperativa Alella Vinícola
Appellation / Zone: D.O. Alella
Varietals: 70% Garnatxa Blanca, 30% Pansa Blanca (Xarel·lo).
ABV: 13.7% vol.

Winemaking

Grapes selected from the winery’s oldest and lowest-yielding vineyards, harvested late. Fermentation took place in wooden vats for 6 to 12 months. Following racking, the wine was aged for a minimum of 3 years in used 500-liter American oak foudres. Bottled directly from the barrel.

 

Tasting Notes

 

Appearance: Golden yellow color with a profound sense of density; thick, persistent tears. Featuring brilliant golden and amber reflections.

 

Nose: A wine of deep Mediterranean character; expressive and fully unfolded from the first moment, without excessive reductive notes. It abounds with wild balsamic hints—Spanish broom, chamomile stems, rock tea, and samphire—over a powerful backdrop of resins and marine lacquer. It remains unwavering, maintaining a high, almost strident tone without ever lowering its guard.

 

Palate: Unctuous, full, and concentrated. It mirrors the nose precisely, though without a pronounced off-dry sensation. Integrated, mature, and forceful, it is warm yet possesses sufficient acidity, filled with high-quality bitter notes and a spicy finish. The oak influence is buried, contributing only a very light toast. Long finish.

 

Commentary

The 1975 Marfil Semi Dulce is a singular and compelling relic from Alella. Despite some criticism regarding a perceived lack of complexity, it offers immense drinking pleasure through its untamed Mediterranean soul and its remarkable structural integrity. It is a robust, honest wine that captures a style of winemaking—concentrated and resinous—that is rarely seen today. A fascinating bottle that continues to perform at a high level.

 

Personal Score: 91
Tasting Group Average: 90