Bodega Huerta de Albalá, Vino de la Tierra de Cádiz: Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon y Tintilla de Rota.
The province of Cádiz is better known for the Sherry Triangle and the mystical chalklands of Jerez, yet over the past two decades the hills around Arcos de la Frontera have quietly redefined Andalusian red wine.
At the heart of this rediscovery stands Huerta de Albalá, an estate encircled by an amphitheatre of vines naturally sheltered from the region’s defining force: the Levante.
The Levante is the dry easterly wind that races through the Strait of Gibraltar, warming as it crosses the Baetic mountains and sweeping the vineyards with a hot, desiccating breath in summer and a brisk coolness in winter.
Its drying power reduces humidity, concentrates the berries, and sharpens the coastal salinity in the wines. In wetter Atlantic years it becomes a natural ally, lowering disease pressure and giving the grapes a tighter, more vibrant profile.
Add Cádiz’s distinctive light and maritime atmosphere, and you have a terroir like no other — one that produces wines of generosity, tension, and unmistakable southern character.
Here, Syrah finds breadth and spice, Cabernet Sauvignon acquires surprising freshness, and Tintilla de Rota — once close to extinction — returns with its aromatic lift, bright acidity, and saline verve.
The fruit in Barbazul 2021 is generous but never heavy; acidity is lifted without sharpness, and the tannins are suave yet present. A pulse of minerality — dry, chalky, faintly reminiscent of crushed seashells — evokes the ancient albariza soils and red clays that intermingle with limestone veins in this corner of Cádiz.
Barbazul is medium-garnet / cherry-red colour with good depth for its youth, a clear rim, and medium body. Defined, strong legs consistent with its high alcohol level.
The nose is predominantly ripe black fruit — blackberries, plums, dark cherries — supported by vanilla, clove/cinnamon and gentle oak spice. A subtle herbal or balsamic note appears with air, and a light smoky or toasted hint from barrel ageing is present.
On the palate a fresh entry with balanced acidity supporting the fruit. Medium-bodied mid-palate with smooth, moderate tannins. Flavours follow the nose: dark fruit, gentle spice, and a faint herbal/balsamic undertone.
The structure remains fresh, not heavy, with good balance and clarity. The finish clean and persistent, with a return of dark fruit and spice, and a mild mineral or herbal echo. Elegant, not weighty. Barbazul is vibrant, expressive, and unmistakably Andalusian. It carries the generosity of the south, the finesse of careful winemaking, and that mineral heartbeat that only Cádiz can teach a grape.
Open an hour before serving, and serve at 16C. Serve with grilled lamb, grilled mushrooms, or aged cheese from the Sierra de Cádiz.
88 Bruja points, 10,50 EUR from santacecilia.es/
(Feature: Wine)
Keywords: Barbazul 2021, Jerez, Bruja de Vino, Huerta de Albalá
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