Couto Mixto Branco 2022

Couto Mixto is the work of Francisco Pérez, known locally as Xico, who since 2004 has championed the native varieties of the raia, the border zone between Portugal and Ourense. This organic white comes from D.O. Monterrei in inland Galicia and blends Doña Blanca, Godello and Formosa from several plots in the mountainous interior. Farming is organic, and the fruit is grown on granite-influenced soils in a climate that is warmer and drier than coastal Galicia but still cooled by altitude, which holds on to acidity. The wine ages on its lees, and that contact adds a fine texture and savoury weight while keeping the fruit fresh, with no oak to mask the varieties. The colour is pale lemon with green flashes. The nose shows lemon, green apple and pear, lifted by white flowers and a note of wild thyme. On the palate it is dry, crisp and mineral, the lees giving just enough roundness before a clean, saline finish. Serve well chilled at 9 to 11 degrees.