LaRural Vinyater 2024

LaRural is a family estate in Catalonia that has stayed loyal to grapes the cava cooperatives once cast aside, among them the rare Vinyater. This orange wine is built around that recovered variety, vinified with skin contact and then aged on its lees. The vineyards work old plantings that survived the region's shift towards commercial cava grapes, and the focus is firmly on local identity. After a period of maceration on the skins, the wine rests on its fine lees, where slow contact with the spent yeast cells releases mannoproteins that soften the texture and add a subtle bready depth. The skin contact gives gentle phenolic grip rather than weight, in keeping with the modest 11 percent alcohol. The wine is pale gold, with a nose of lemon, green apple and white flowers. The palate is dry and light bodied, with crisp orchard fruit, a saline thread and a soft, slightly doughy finish from the lees ageing. Natural, organic and vegan, it is made with minimal intervention. Serve well chilled at 8 to 10 degrees as an aperitif, or alongside light fish and shellfish.