Petit Siós Blanc 2023

Petit Siós Blanc is a young white from Costers del Sió in D.O. Costers del Segre, in inland Catalonia, blending Viognier, Chardonnay and Muscat. The fruit is picked by hand during the coolest hours of the morning, then chilled in a refrigerated room for 48 hours before pressing, so the grapes reach fermentation cold and the delicate aromatics are preserved. A cold maceration and gentle pressing follow, drawing aroma and flavour from the skins without harsh extraction, before a slow fermentation at 14 to 15 degrees over 18 days. That long, cool ferment protects the floral and fruit character that Viognier and Muscat bring, while Chardonnay lends body and balance beneath them. There is no oak, so the fruit stays clean and forward. The wine is pale and bright, with a perfumed nose of white peach, apricot and white flowers lifted by Muscat, and a rounded, dry palate carrying melon and citrus through to a fresh finish. It stays approachable rather than weighty. Serve at 8 to 10 degrees in a white wine glass. It works well with grilled white fish, shellfish, roast chicken and lighter salads.