Laureano Serres is a true legend of the Catalan wine scene. A pioneer of Spanish natural wine, he has played a crucial role in inspiring many other winemakers in the area to reconnect with their vinicultural roots.
His story is one of returning to origins. Laureano initially worked as a programmer in Madrid, but soon realized he needed a change. He returned to his hometown, Pinell de Brai in Catalonia, to manage the local winemakers’ cooperative. A few years later, he embarked on his own journey, bottling wine under the Mendall label from the 1999 vintage. From the outset, he committed to organic farming, and in 2002, after forgetting to add sulfur to his wines and appreciating the result, he never went back. His philosophy is simple: minimal intervention, pure expression.
Today, Laureano cultivates six hectares of vineyards across different plots, both in El Pinell at approximately 170 meters altitude and in the higher region of Terra Alta, reaching around 500 meters. This area is remarkable for its thin topsoil, meaning the vines dig directly into the underlying limestone rock. This unique terroir imparts an uncommon freshness and complexity to his wines, setting them apart from others in this part of Spain.
In the cellar, Laureano embraces experimentation. He vinifies in a variety of vessels, including concrete and wood, constantly innovating while staying true to his minimalist ethos. Due to space constraints, most of his wines are bottled before the next harvest, resulting in unique, energetic bottles—vivid expressions of the land, the grape, and Laureano’s singular vision.
Beyond winemaking, Laureano Serres is an icon of the natural wine movement. His home and cellar in El Pinell de Brai, a dusty town that could be the setting for a Spaghetti Western, have become an unexpected epicenter of Catalonia’s vibrant wine scene. He was present at the founding of the Brutal Wine Corporation and is the organizer of H2O Vegetal, one of the most talked-about wine fairs in Europe. His infectious spirit, sense of community, and love for life have made him a revered figure in the industry.
His wines are more than just beverages—they are a statement of identity, tradition, and innovation, capturing the essence of Catalonia’s terroir while pushing the boundaries of natural winemaking.
