Dido Blanc 2023

Dido Blanc comes from Venus La Universal in D.O. Montsant, the hilly appellation that rings Priorat in southern Catalonia. It blends Macabeo, Garnacha Blanca and Xarel·lo drawn from several plots, two of them on vines over 70 years of age, the rest averaging around 25 years. Montsant's soils are a mix of clay, granitic sand and limestone, and the altitude and mountain air give cool nights that hold acidity in a warm region. Around 15 percent of the clusters undergo several days of skin maceration, drawing phenolics and aromatic depth from the grape skins and giving the wine grip and texture beyond a standard white. It then ages for 14 months in wood in separate containers, adding a slow oxygen exchange that builds complexity while the acidity keeps it fresh. The colour is bright straw gold. The nose blends white peach and pear with floral and herbal tones and a fennel note. The palate is textured and dry, with a light tannic grip from the skin contact, good weight and a mineral, saline finish. This is a white for the table rather than a simple aperitif. Serve at 10 to 12 degrees in a full glass. It suits grilled fish, poultry and vegetable dishes. Organic.