Jean Leon Vinya Gigi 2024

Vinya Gigi is a varietal Chardonnay from Jean Leon in the Penedès, sourced from a single vineyard named Gigi in honour of the founder's daughter. The Penedès rises inland from the Catalan coast, and its limestone soils and the moderating altitude give Chardonnay here freshness and a firm acid line despite the Mediterranean warmth. The wine ferments and then ages for about six months in French oak barrels on its lees, before resting at least six months in bottle. Barrel fermentation and lees contact are central to its style: the lees add a creamy weight and a fine almond and biscuit character, malolactic fermentation softens the malic acidity into a rounder texture, and the French oak lends vanilla and a light toast without dominating the fruit. The colour is bright straw gold. The nose leads with ripe pear and white peach over lemon, honey and toasted almond. The palate is medium bodied and creamy, balanced by citrus freshness that lengthens the finish. Serve at 10 to 12 degrees in a full white glass. It suits white fish, roast chicken and creamy dishes.