Mountain Blanco Seco 2023

Mountain Blanco Seco is a dry white from the D.O. Malaga-Sierras de Malaga in Andalusia, made by Telmo Rodriguez, one of Spain's most travelled winemakers, from Moscatel de Alejandria, or Muscat of Alexandria. Malaga is a warm southern region, but the Muscat here grows in the cooler mountains inland, on slate and schist slopes where altitude and coastal air keep the grape fresh. Moscatel is one of the most perfumed of all white varieties and is usually turned into sweet wine in this region, so the interest lies in taking it dry: the wine is fermented fully to leave no residual sugar, and made without oak, which preserves the intense floral aromatics while giving a crisp, dry palate. Expect an openly aromatic nose of orange blossom, white flowers and orange peel over white peach and apricot, then a palate that is dry and fresh, its faintly honeyed fruit balanced by a clean, citrus finish. Serve well chilled at 8 to 10 degrees in a white glass. It works as an aperitif and with lighter fish and spiced dishes.