Oriol Artigas La Bella Magnum 2023

Oriol Artigas is a young winemaker from the Alella area near Barcelona who, after working across several Catalan regions, settled to make wines of territorial identity in Llinars del Valles. La Bella is a natural white made without a denomination of origin from Pansa Blanca, the local name for Xarel-lo, the grape best known from the Alella and Penedes hills. The vineyards sit close to the coast, and the granitic sandy soils, known locally as sauló, drain freely and lend the wine a light, mineral texture. The proximity to the Mediterranean and the sea breezes keep the fruit fresh and the acidity firm. The wine is made with minimal intervention and aged nine months on its lees in stainless steel, the extended lees contact building texture and a subtle creaminess while the natural approach keeps the fruit and the site to the fore. It is pale with green highlights, showing green apple, lemon and pear on the nose over white flowers. The palate is dry, saline and textured, with fresh acidity and a stony finish. At a gentle 11.8 percent it stays light on its feet. Serve at 9 to 11 degrees.