El Grifo Malvasía Lías 2023

El Grifo works on the volcanic island of Lanzarote in the D.O. Lanzarote, one of the oldest wineries in Spain and a regular award winner for this Malvasia. Vines here grow in pits dug into black volcanic ash, each sheltered by a low stone wall against the constant Atlantic wind, drawing on the mineral-rich soil and the moisture the ash traps overnight. Malvasia is an aromatic grape, and on this terroir it takes on a distinctly saline, mineral character. The wine is fermented and aged for seven months on its lees across stainless steel and barrel, then given a further period in bottle, the lees contact building a rounder texture through released mannoproteins while keeping the wine fresh. The colour is pale straw. The nose is intense and aromatic, with white flowers, white peach and citrus over a stony, volcanic note. The palate is dry, fresh and youthful, the fruit lifted by brisk acidity and a saline mineral cut through a clean, gently honeyed finish. Serve at 9 to 11 degrees in a white glass. It suits shellfish, grilled fish and lighter poultry.