LaRural Malvasia de Sitges 2024

LaRural is a five-generation Catalan estate working to showcase Malvasía de Sitges, a Mediterranean grape rescued from near extinction and now planted across just 125 hectares, mostly in Penedès. The wine is organic, natural and vegan. It is made as an orange wine, the Malvasía macerated on its skins so the juice takes on amber colour, aromatic intensity and a phenolic texture the grape carries well. It then ages on its lees, resting on the spent yeast cells, which release mannoproteins that add body and a soft savoury depth while keeping the wine fresh. Malvasía de Sitges is naturally perfumed and aromatic, and the skin contact amplifies that without tipping into heaviness, which is why these single-varietal bottlings have found their way onto good restaurant lists. The Mediterranean coastal setting gives ripeness balanced by sea air. The wine is pale amber, with a nose of apricot, white flowers, citrus peel and a melon note, and a palate that is dry, textured and lightly saline, the perfume carrying through to a honeyed finish. At 11 percent it stays light on its feet. Serve well chilled at 10 to 12 degrees. Good as an aperitif and with lighter dishes.