# 12 Volts (2023)

- **Producer:** 4 Kilos Vinícola
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Syrah, Callet, Fogoneu, Cabernet Sauvignon
- **Region:** Balearic Islands, Spain
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 12.0%
- **Average price:** €22
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 14–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, strawberry, blackberry, raspberry, plum, herbaceous, black pepper, vanilla, cloves, cedar, smoke, leather, forest floor, wet leaves

## About this wine

12 Volts is a vibrant red wine produced by 4 Kilos Vinícola, an estate founded in 2006 by winemaker Francesc Grimalt and musician Sergio Caballero in Mallorca. The winery's name, meaning '4 million pesetas,' represents the modest initial investment they used to launch the project. Operating out of a converted sheep fold, 4 Kilos has become a pioneer in reviving indigenous Mallorcan grape varieties like Callet and Fogoneu. The 12 Volts cuvée is conceived as an 'energy accumulator,' designed to deliver a lively, electric, and highly expressive representation of the island's unique terroir. The 2023 vintage features striking label artwork by the renowned contemporary artist Gary Baseman, adding a whimsical visual dimension to this energetic Mediterranean red.

## Interesting facts

- The winery's name, 4 Kilos, refers to the founders' modest initial investment of 4 million pesetas to start the estate.
- The 2023 vintage label features custom, whimsical illustrations by the famous American contemporary artist Gary Baseman.
- 12 Volts is named to reflect its role as an 'energy accumulator,' delivering an electric and vibrant style of Mallorcan red wine.

## Food pairing

This medium-bodied red wine thrives on its vibrant acidity and fine-grained tannins. It pairs beautifully with dishes that feature savory herbs (like rosemary and thyme) or sweet-savory fruit reductions (like cherry or plum) that mirror its primary aromatics. The local Mallorcan connection makes it a perfect match for cured meats like Sobrassada.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for 12 Volts focuses on preserving the fresh, vibrant character of the Mallorcan terroir through low-intervention practices. Grapes are sourced from organically farmed vineyards planted on iron-rich clay soils known as 'call vermell.' Following a meticulous manual harvest and sorting, the grapes undergo fermentation using indigenous yeasts in a combination of stainless steel tanks and large oak vats. The wine is then aged for approximately 9 to 12 months. This aging takes place in a combination of foudres and 225-liter French oak barrels, of which a portion is new and the remainder is second- or third-use, ensuring the oak influence remains beautifully integrated without overpowering the delicate native fruit.