Idoia Blanc 2022

Idoia Blanc is made by Ca N'Estruc in D.O. Catalunya, at the foot of the Montserrat massif near Esparraguera, a family winery with roots going back to 1548. The blend is led by Xarel·lo, the backbone grape of the region, with Garnacha Blanca, Macabeo and a little Chardonnay adding weight and breadth. The estate sits in a distinct microclimate cooled by northerly winds, with cool summers and temperate winters and an average annual temperature around fourteen degrees, which slows ripening and keeps the fruit fresh. After a racking the wine spends six months in French oak barrels, enough to lend a light savoury depth and a fine texture from lees contact while leaving the fruit in the lead. The colour is pale gold. The nose combines ripe pear, white peach and melon with an almond note typical of Xarel·lo and a touch of vanilla from the oak, lifted by white flowers. The palate is medium bodied and balanced, with fresh acidity and a clean, gently textured finish. Serve it at 10 to 12 degrees in a white wine glass. It suits white fish, poultry, pork and hard cheeses.