Balancines Roble sobre Lias blanco 2024

Balancines Roble sobre Lias Blanco is a white made from Viura by Pago los Balancines in D.O. Ribera del Guadiana, in the warm Extremadura region of western Spain. The winery works Viura not in its lightest form but in a broader, more textured expression, seeking presence at the table. Ribera del Guadiana has a hot, dry continental climate tempered by cool nights, and the wide diurnal range lets the grapes ripen to fuller stone-fruit flavours while retaining enough acidity for balance. The wine is aged for five months on its lees in barrel. Barrel ageing over the fine lees allows a slow, controlled exchange of oxygen through the wood while the breakdown of the spent yeast releases mannoproteins that thicken the texture and round the palate, and gentle stirring of the lees builds further weight. The result is the broad, enveloping character the winery aims for. The colour is bright gold. The nose is intense, with apricot and ripe peach lifted by tropical fruit, vanilla and a waxy note. The palate is full and textured, with ripe orchard and stone fruit, a creamy lees weight and a fresh line of acidity holding the finish. Serve at 10 to 12 degrees. It suits richer fish, poultry and roasted vegetables.