LaFou els Amelers 2024

LaFou works old Garnacha Blanca vineyards spanning 60 hectares near Batea, in D.O. Terra Alta in the south of Catalonia. The vines sit at around 400 metres, an altitude that tempers the warm Mediterranean climate of the region and preserves freshness in a grape that ripens fully here. Garnacha Blanca is the signature white of Terra Alta, giving a full-bodied, textured style with ripe stone and orchard fruit. On arrival the grapes macerate on their skins for four days, which draws out aroma and phenolic texture, before a gentle press at low temperature. The wine is then aged four months on its lees in stainless steel. The steel keeps the fruit clean and fresh, while the skin contact and lees ageing build weight and a savoury, textured palate without any oak. The colour is bright straw. The nose shows white peach, pear and melon over white flowers, with a faint almond and bready note from the lees. The palate is broad and textured, balanced by fresh acidity and a clean, saline finish. Serve at 10 to 12 degrees. It suits white fish, shellfish and poultry.