Prieto Pariente Viognier 2022

Prieto Pariente Viognier is a single-variety white made by Bodegas Prieto Pariente in Valladolid, in Spain's Castilla y Leon, and sold as a regional wine. The fruit comes from a small plot at La Seca planted in 1999 on soils rich in calcium and magnesium, with good aeration and drainage that keeps the vines balanced through the hot, dry continental summers. Viognier ripens to generous stone fruit and floral aromatics, and the high daytime heat is offset by cool nights that preserve freshness. The grapes are hand harvested and carried in refrigerated trucks to protect them, then the wine is aged for six months on its lees in wood. Lees ageing builds texture and a light savoury depth, while the barrel adds a gentle vanilla frame and softens the wine without dominating. The colour is bright golden yellow. The nose leads with white peach, apricot and melon lifted by white flowers and a touch of honey. The palate is round and dry with medium body, the ripe fruit balanced by fresh acidity and a subtle oak spice on the finish. Serve at 10 to 12 degrees.