Mendall Terme de Guiu 2023

Terme de Guiu is one of Mendall's named-plot wines, made by Laureano Serres Montagut, a leading natural winemaker of Terra Alta in inland Catalonia. It is a field blend, co-fermenting the red Cariñena with white Macabeo and other local varieties together, an old regional practice that adds aromatic lift and lightness to the red. The vineyards lie on the dry, chalky high plateau, where altitude and cool nights keep the wine fresh and the alcohol moderate while the Mediterranean climate ripens the fruit. The wine is made naturally, with native yeasts, no additions and minimal sulphur, and the white grapes fermented alongside the red give a brighter, more perfumed character. Around seven months in stainless steel preserves this freshness, the inert tank adding no flavour and keeping the texture light and primary. The colour is a pale, vivid red. The nose leads with cherry and raspberry, lifted by citrus peel and a herbal, earthy note from the white component. The palate is light and energetic, the tannins soft, the acidity crisp, the finish clean and juicy. Serve at 13 to 15 degrees, lightly chilled. It is a versatile partner for light, fresh food.