Pardas Rupestris 2024

Rupestris is a white from Celler Pardas in the D.O. Penedès, made from traditional local varieties led by Xarel·lo with Malvasía de Sitges and Macabeo. The vines grow at Finca Can Comas on calcareous slopes, and the limestone soils are central to the wine's saline, mineral character and firm acidity. The estate is farmed organically. In the cellar the grapes are destemmed and given a short maceration of six to seven hours on the skins, which draws a little extra aromatic depth and texture from the skins without turning the wine amber. The must then ferments slowly at a cool 12 degrees, which protects freshness, and it is stirred on its lees with periodic bâtonnage over four months, building a rounder mid palate and a subtle savoury complexity while keeping the fruit clean. The colour is bright straw with green glints. The nose shows green apple and white peach with white flowers and a dried herb, stony lift. The palate is dry and textured, with fresh acidity, a light grip from the skin contact and lees work, and a long saline finish that reflects the calcareous soil. Serve at 9 to 11 degrees. It suits grilled fish, shellfish, salads and young cheeses.