MendallLaureano & Alicia
The godfather of Catalan natural wine. From computer programmer to revolutionary winemaker, pioneering zero-sulfur wines since 2002 from the hot, dusty streets of Pinell de Brai.
From Madrid programmer to the spiritual home of Catalan natural wine—a revolutionary's journey.
Laureano Serres was working as a computer programmer in Madrid when he decided city life no longer suited him. In 1996, he returned to his hometown of El Pinell de Brai, a hot, dusty village in Terra Alta that looks like something from a Spaghetti Western.
He became president of the Catedral del Vi, a magnificent wine cooperative designed by students of Gaudí before the Spanish Civil War. But he grew disillusioned with quantity-over-quality production. In 1999, he set up shop across the street, vinifying 500 liters of traditional Catalan field blend from his grandfather's vines at Finca Caibelles. Mendall was born.
His home and cellar have become "ground zero" for Catalonia's natural wine scene. The late Marcel Lapierre became his mentor, connecting him to France's natural wine community. Laureano's frenetic energy, extreme generosity, and gargantuan appetite for wine have inspired a generation. Today, his daughter Alicia Serres Brianzo joins him, bringing fresh perspective to the family's "organized anarchy."
"Organized anarchy"—spontaneous decisions, creative fermentation, and the organized chaos of true natural winemaking.
Laureano describes his methodology as organized anarchy. While certain parcels are vinified traditionally, every harvest brings surprises. From just 5.5 hectares, he produces up to 16 different cuvées: macerated whites, red/white co-ferments, barely sparkling frizzantes, and oxidative Garnatxas.
Decisions are made spontaneously based on harvest conditions. He plays with different vessels—amphoras, barrels, and stainless steel—always seeking to accompany the wine while letting it be. The result is wines of unusual truthfulness that vary vintage to vintage, reflecting the reality of each season rather than a standardized product.
His influence extends beyond the bottle. Laureano was present the night the Brutal Wine Corporation was founded, and he organizes H2O Vegetal, one of Europe's most talked-about natural wine fairs.
Limestone bedrock and the garbinada winds. Two distinct elevations, one revolutionary spirit.
El Pinell de Brai
The home village. Hot, dusty, cinematic. Lower elevation parcels near the cooperative where it all began. The spiritual heart of Mendall.
Terme de Guiu
High elevation vineyards in Vilalba dels Arcs. Limestone amphitheater exposed to the famous garbinada winds. Freshness and complexity from altitude.
Soil
Little topsoil means vines dig directly into limestone bedrock. This unique terroir lends unexpected freshness to wines from a hot climate.
The ever-changing lineup—16 cuvées from 5 hectares, no two vintages ever the same.
Terme de Guiu
From the high-altitude limestone vineyards. Both red (Roig) and white (Blanc) versions. The pure expression of Terra Alta terroir—mineral, fresh, and complex.
Mix
Laureano's contrarian experiment—Macabeo and Garnatxa Blanca raised in new oak rather than the usual inox or amphora. Defying expectations, it's as beautiful and pure as any wine from Terra Alta.
Espartal BP
Pure Garnatxa from specific parcels. The BP designation marks it as distinctly Pinell de Brai. Bright, energetic, Mediterranean sunshine in a bottle.
La Pedrera
Old-vine Cariñena from the estate's oldest parcels. Deep, earthy, with the concentration that comes from vines digging into limestone bedrock.
Mosquito de Guiu
Light, fresh Macabeo bottled young and brimming with energy. The perfect introduction to Mendall's style—approachable yet profound.
All In
The everything-white blend—all Pinell de Brai white varietals including Macabeo, Moscatel, and Garnatxa Blanca. A chorus of Mediterranean varieties in one bottle.
Caibelles
Alicia Serres' own label from the family estate. Biodynamically cultivated, representing the next generation's touch. Old field blend of 90% Cariñena, 10% others.
Santa Helena
Alicia's first solo vintage showing talent is in the genes. Located in Pinell de Brai, this is her signature red blend demonstrating both power and elegance.
Ground Zero
Laureano's home and cellar in El Pinell de Brai have become pilgrimage sites for natural wine lovers. His influence extends far beyond Terra Alta—he is the spiritual father of a movement that has reclaimed Catalan winemaking from industrial production.
Visitors speak of his generosity, his raucous tastings, and his deep loyalty to friends and family. Whether you love his wines or find them challenging, there is no denying the truthfulness in every bottle.
- Founded Brutal Wine Corporation
- Organizes H2O Vegetal wine fair
- Mentored next generation of Catalan winemakers
- Pioneered zero-sulfur movement in Spain
- Champion of abandoned native varieties
- Former president of Catedral del Vi cooperative