Celler Credo Ratpenat 2021

Celler Credo is the still-wine arm of the Recaredo family, long-standing biodynamic growers in Penedès who work only with local Catalan varieties. Ratpenat is made from Macabeo, the grape known in Rioja as Viura, and takes its name from the bats that patrol the vineyards as part of the estate's ecological farming. The vines grow on the calcareous soils typical of the region, where limestone-rich ground retains moisture and keeps the wine fresh under a warm Mediterranean sun tempered by altitude and sea breezes. What sets this apart from a tank-fresh white is its five months in used French oak barrels. Because the oak is old rather than new, it adds very little wood flavour and instead allows a slow, gentle exchange of oxygen that softens the wine and, together with time on the lees, builds a rounder texture and a faint bready, nutty depth. At just ten and a half percent alcohol the result stays light and fresh. Expect a pale straw colour, a nose of green apple, pear and almond with a hint of vanilla and white flowers, and a dry, textured palate with a clean, savoury finish. Serve chilled at around 10C.