Castell d’Encús Ekam 2024

Ekam is a high altitude white from the D.O. Costers del Segre in Catalonia, made by Castell d'Encus in Talarn, Lleida, a project run by winemaker Raul Bobet. It blends Riesling with Albarino from vineyards planted between 850 and 1000 metres on loamy, calcareous soils with low organic matter. That altitude is the key: cold mountain nights and a broad diurnal range hold on to natural acidity and aromatic intensity, while the poor, chalky soils keep yields low and the fruit precise. The wine is fermented cool and kept fresh in tank, with a short rest of a few months in bottle before release rather than any oak, so the varietal aromatics stay sharp. The colour is pale yellow with green highlights. The nose is intense and floral, with lime, green apple, white peach and apricot over white flowers, and the palate is taut and racy, carried by bright acidity to a clean, mineral finish. Serve at 8 to 10 degrees in a white glass. It suits white fish, shellfish and lightly spiced dishes.