Miquel Pons 77 Veremes Xarel·lo 2024

Miquel Pons 77 Veremes Xarel路lo is an organic white from D.O. Penedes in Catalonia, made from the native Xarel路lo grape by the Miquel Pons winery, a family with over two centuries of viticulture in the region. The grapes are organically grown and fermented with minimal intervention to preserve their freshness and character. Xarel路lo, best known as a backbone of Cava, is a naturally structured grape with firm acidity, a waxy texture and a saline, herbal edge, well suited to the varied soils and Mediterranean climate of the Penedes, where altitude and sea breezes moderate the warmth and hold acidity in the fruit. The wine is fermented and aged for four months in used French oak barrels. Because the barrels are old, they add texture and a slow trickle of oxygen without imparting strong new-oak flavour, so the wine gains breadth and a light creaminess while the fruit stays to the fore, and lees contact reinforces the mid-palate. The colour is pale gold. The nose shows white peach, pear and citrus over white flowers and a subtle vanilla note. The palate is textured and fresh, with orchard fruit, a saline mineral core and a clean, savoury finish. Serve at 9 to 11 degrees. It suits white fish, shellfish and poultry.