Cénit Blanco 2021

Vinas del Cenit makes this white in the Tierra del Vino de Zamora, in Castilla y Leon, from old vines of Albillo, Dona Blanca, Godello, Palomino and Verdejo. Reviving these long-overlooked vineyards is the heart of the estate's work, and the mix of varieties gives the wine both aromatic lift and body. Inland Castilla y Leon has a continental climate with a wide day-to-night temperature swing, and this diurnal range holds acidity and aromatic freshness through a warm summer. The soils are poor, sandy and stony, low in vigour, which concentrates the fruit. The wine is aged about eight months in oak barrels, and this longer ageing on the lees adds texture, a golden colour and a light savoury depth while the fruit stays clear. The colour is golden yellow. The nose brings white flowers, green apple and white peach, with ripe citrus and a subtle honeyed, faintly toasted note from the barrel. The palate is dry and textured, broader than a young unoaked white, with fresh acidity and a stony finish. Serve at 10 to 12 degrees in a standard white glass.