Tocat de l’Ala Blanc 2024

Tocat de l'Ala Blanc is a Catalan white from Coca i Fito in D.O. Empordà, in the far north east of Catalonia near the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees. It blends Garnacha Blanca, which brings body and stone fruit, with Macabeo, which adds freshness and floral aromatics. Empordà is defined by the Tramuntana, the strong dry north wind that blows through the vineyards, keeping the grapes healthy and concentrating flavour. The wine is fermented in stainless steel and then aged for three months on its lees in tank. Keeping the wine on the spent yeast after fermentation, with no oak involved, adds a creamy weight and a fuller mid-palate through the slow release of mannoproteins, while the steel preserves the primary fruit and the acidity. The colour is pale, and the nose shows white peach, green apple and pear over white flowers. The palate is dry and fresh, with lees-derived texture filling it out and a saline, coastal edge on the finish. Serve at 9 to 11 degrees. It suits shellfish, white fish, salads and lighter poultry dishes.