Els Bassotets 2023

Els Bassotets is a natural white from Escoda Sanahuja, made from Chenin Blanc and Macabeo grown biodynamically on the Els Bassotets estate at Prenafeta near Montblanc, in the high inland appellation of Conca de Barberà. The vineyards sit at 450 metres, an altitude that brings cold nights and a wide diurnal swing, slowing ripening and locking in the natural acidity that carries this wine. The farming follows biodynamic principles, and the winemaking is deliberately minimal: fermentation runs on the vines' own indigenous yeasts, the wine is neither filtered nor fined, and it is made with almost no added sulphur. Working without filtration or clarification leaves more texture and phenolic grip in the glass, while wild yeast fermentation adds a savoury, less predictable complexity than cultured strains give. The colour is pale gold, sometimes lightly cloudy from the natural handling. The nose shows green apple, pear and a touch of honey from the Chenin, with dried herbs and chamomile behind. The palate is dry and textural, fresh and slightly grippy, closing on citrus peel and a stony note. Serve at 10 degrees.