De Sol a Sol Tinaja Airén 2021

Esencia Rural is the project of Julian Ruiz Villanueva, who returned to organic farming in the Toledo countryside and began making wines from the region's traditional Airen grape. This is a natural, vegan white with no designation of origin, farmed organically and aged in clay tinajas in the local tradition. Clay-vessel ageing lets the wine breathe slowly through the porous walls, giving a gentle oxidative development and a savoury, textured character rather than fresh primary fruit. Working naturally, with wild yeasts and minimal added sulphur, keeps the wine's savoury, slightly wild edge, and the amphora contact softens the palate without adding oak. In the glass it is deeper than a standard young white, with apple, citrus peel, dried herbs and a nutty, saline note from the oxidative handling. The palate is dry and textured, with orchard fruit, a herbal savoury character and a firm, slightly grippy finish. This is a food white for savoury dishes rather than a crisp aperitif. Serve at around 11 degrees.