Marañones Blanco 2022

Marañones is a leading name in the granite hills of the Sierra de Gredos, working within Vinos de Madrid. This white is made entirely from Albillo Real drawn from four organically farmed plots between 650 and 850 metres, all on granite soils. Altitude is central to the wine: the height brings cool nights and a wide diurnal range that slow ripening and hold acidity, while the sandy, granitic soils drain freely and give the fruit a fine, mineral cut. Yields are naturally low, which concentrates flavour in the small crop. The wine is aged for ten months in French oak barrels, and this extended time on its lees builds texture and a subtle nuttiness while integrating the oak so it frames rather than dominates the fruit. The colour is bright straw-gold. The nose leads with white peach, pear and apricot over white flowers and a stony minerality. The palate is broad and textured yet fresh, its stone fruit balanced by granite-driven acidity and a long, faintly almond and honeyed finish. Serve at 10 to 12 degrees in a larger white wine glass. It suits roast white fish, chicken and roasted vegetables.