Oriol Artigas La Perla 2023

Oriol Artigas is a chemist turned winemaker and one of the leading figures of D.O. Alella, a small appellation in the hills just above Barcelona. He works with Pansa Blanca, the local name for Xarel-lo, from old vineyards rooted in the region's distinctive sauló, a sandy decomposed granite soil. The proximity to the Mediterranean and that free-draining granite are central to the wine's character, giving freshness, salinity and a clear sense of place. This orange wine is made with skin contact but aged for seven months entirely in stainless steel, a choice that preserves the fruit's brightness and avoids any oxidative or oaky overlay. The skin maceration adds gentle texture and a light phenolic grip rather than heavy tannin, so the wine keeps the energy of the grape while gaining body. Farming is natural, with native yeasts and minimal intervention. Expect a pale amber colour and a nose of green apple, lemon and white peach lifted by white flowers. The palate is dry, fresh and saline, with citrus drive, a faint almond note and a clean, mineral finish. Serve well chilled at around 10 to 12 degrees. It is a fine match for shellfish, white fish and green salads.