Dominio de Atauta Albillo Mayor 2022

Dominio de Atauta is known for red Tempranillo in Ribera del Duero, in Castilla y Leon, and this Albillo Mayor is its sole white, a rarity in a region of reds. The fruit comes from old, ungrafted pre-phylloxera vines, which run deep, yield little and give real concentration and complexity. Ribera del Duero sits high on the northern Spanish plateau, where a continental climate brings hot days and very cold nights; the wide diurnal range slows ripening and preserves the fresh acidity and aromatics that white wine needs at this altitude. The soils are poor, with limestone and sand over clay, lending the wine a mineral spine. Ageing runs about six months in oak barrels, on the lees, which adds a rounded texture and a subtle spice while keeping the fruit in front. The colour is pale gold. The nose shows orchard and stone fruit, pear and melon, with white flowers and a gentle vanilla note from the barrel. The palate is dry and textured, with fresh acidity and a mineral, faintly saline finish. Serve at 10 to 12 degrees in a large glass.