Raimat Turons de la Pleta 2024

Raimat farms this single-plot Chardonnay in D.O. Costers del Segre, on a hill of the estate exposed to the dry cierzo wind. The vines are around twenty five years old and rooted in what the estate calls cervell de gat, a cemented gravel that holds together in clusters and is impermeable to water, forcing the vines to work and concentrating the fruit. Farming is certified organic and the grapes are picked by hand into small crates. The wine is aged for twelve months in foudres, large oak vessels whose slow oxygen exchange builds texture and complexity while adding less overt oak flavour than small barrels. Time on the lees and partial malolactic conversion round the acidity and lend a creamy, savoury depth. The wine is bright gold. The nose combines white peach and pear with vanilla, toasted bread, hazelnut and a beeswax note. The palate is full and textured, the oak folded into the fruit, and the finish is long and gently nutty. Serve it at 10 to 12 degrees in a broad glass. It suits roast chicken, richer white and oily fish and hard nutty cheeses.