Agaliu 2024

Agaliu is an organic Macabeo made by L'Olivera, a social cooperative in the D.O. Costers del Segre in Catalonia that farms vineyards and olive groves alongside its social work. The wine is a single-variety expression of Macabeo, a soft, gently aromatic white grape widely grown across north-east Spain. Costers del Segre is a dry, continental region inland from the coast, where hot days and cool nights over free-draining soils help the fruit ripen while keeping the wine fresh. Although barrel fermented, this is made in a fresh and approachable style: fermentation in wood adds a light creamy texture and a subtle nutty depth through lees contact, but the oak is kept in the background so the fruit stays clear. The colour is pale straw. The nose leads with fresh citrus and green apple over pear, white flowers and a hint of almond. The palate is light and easy, dry and juicy, the barrel adding a little roundness while the acidity keeps it clean through to a soft finish. Serve chilled at 9 to 11 degrees. It is an easy match for light fish, shellfish and salads.