Partida Creus Blanco Natural 2023

Partida Creus Blanco Natural is a natural white from the Penedès, a blend of Xarel·lo, Garnacha Blanca and Macabeo. Massimo Marchetti and Antonella Gerona moved from Italy to Bonastre in 2001 and set up their El Mayor estate around native varieties, working organically and with minimal intervention. The Penedès soils here are limestone based, which drains well and gives the wine a stony, saline line, while the Mediterranean climate ripens the old, local grapes. In the cellar the approach is hands off: fermentation runs on native yeasts, and the wine is aged eight months in used French oak. Because the barrels are old, they add texture and a slow, gentle oxygen contact rather than oak flavour, which suits the low intervention style. The modest 10.5 percent alcohol keeps it light and drinkable. It pours a bright straw yellow, faintly hazy in the natural manner. The nose is fresh, with green apple and pear over lemon, fennel and white flowers. The palate is crisp and saline, with a briny, herbal freshness and a dry, savoury finish. Serve it lightly chilled at 9 to 11 degrees.