Raimat El Niu de la Cigonya 2023

Raimat is a large single estate in the D.O. Costers del Segre, in the drier inland reaches of Catalonia, and farms this wine organically. It blends three grapes to different ends: Albarino for citrus and salinity, Chardonnay for body and stone fruit, and the local Xarel·lo for structure and a savoury, almond-like character. The estate's continental, low-rainfall climate ripens the fruit fully while retaining acidity. The wine is barrel fermented and aged nine months in French oak, and that method is what defines its texture. Fermenting in barrel rather than tank binds the oak to the fruit and builds a creamy weight, while nine months on the lees adds body and a fine, savoury complexity as the spent yeast breaks down. The colour is a bright gold. The nose leads with white peach, pear and melon over citrus peel, vanilla and toasted almond. The palate is broad and creamy, the oak well judged, with beeswax and a nutty depth carried by fresh acidity into a long finish. Serve at 10 to 12 degrees in a full white glass. It suits richer fish and white meats.