Els Pics Blanc 2024

Els Pics Blanc comes from Bodegas Mas Alta in the Priorat, the dramatic Catalan region defined by its licorella, the brown and black slate that fragments across steep terraces. This soil forces the vines to root deep for water and lends Priorat wines their firm mineral spine, felt here even in a white. The wine is single variety Garnacha Blanca, a grape that thrives in the region's hot, dry summers moderated by cool mountain nights. After harvest the must is fermented at controlled temperature, then held five months on its fine lees in stainless steel tanks. Lees ageing without oak is the key: the spent yeast cells release mannoproteins that add weight and a rounder mouthfeel while the stainless steel keeps the fruit pure and the wine fresh. The colour is bright pale gold. The nose shows white peach, pear and orchard blossom over a stony, saline note drawn from the slate. The palate is dry and full for a white, with citrus peel and a bitter almond edge carried by clean acidity to a mineral, faintly salty finish. Serve at 10 degrees.