Espelt Mareny 2024

Espelt Mareny is made in Vilajuïga, in the Alt Empordà corner of Catalonia near the French border. It blends Sauvignon Blanc with the local Garnacha Blanca, known here as Lledoner Blanc, from vines planted in sandy loam over granite. The Empordà is defined by the Tramuntana, the fierce north wind that dries the vineyards, holds disease at bay and preserves natural acidity in the grapes. Each variety is vinified separately. The fruit is given a cold maceration at 8 degrees for four hours, drawing aromatic compounds from the skins before pressing, then fermented at a controlled 14 degrees to protect the delicate thiols that give Sauvignon Blanc its lift. The wine is filtered before bottling. The colour is pale lemon. The nose is aromatic, with elderflower, green apple and citrus over a stony granite note. The palate is dry, light and fresh, with lemon and white peach carried on crisp acidity to a clean finish. The farming is sustainable and the wine is certified vegan. Serve at 8 to 10 degrees.