Binifadet Merluzo Blanco 2024

Bodegas Binifadet works at Sant Lluís on Menorca, where Carlos Anglés planted his first vines in 1979 and later chose the varieties best suited to the island's climate. Merluzo Blanco is a Menorcan country wine under the V.T. Illa de Menorca label, made from a blend of Chardonnay, Malvasía, Muscat and a portion of Merlot pressed as a white. The island sits in the Mediterranean and takes a steady sea breeze and the strong Tramontana wind, which keep the vineyards cool at night and preserve freshness in a warm setting. This is a young wine made for early drinking, fermented in stainless steel at low temperature to hold the primary aromatics and bottled without oak. The Muscat and Malvasía in the blend drive its floral, grapey character, the Chardonnay adds body and the Merlot lends a soft roundness. Expect a pale, bright wine with a nose of white flowers, elderflower and melon, and a palate of green apple, lemon and white peach with a light rose lift. It is fresh, easy and gently perfumed. Serve well chilled at 8 to 10 degrees.