Tomàs Cusiné Auzells 2024

Auzells is a young white from Tomàs Cusiné in Costers del Segre, in inland Catalonia. It is a wide blend built around Macabeo with Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat, Müller-Thurgau, Chardonnay, Riesling and Albariño, each contributing a different aromatic thread. The vineyards sit at altitude in a continental climate, where warm days and cold nights give a wide diurnal range that preserves acidity and floral aromatics. After harvest the grapes are chilled and carefully selected, then the varieties are fermented separately at a steady 16 degrees, a cool fermentation that protects the delicate aromatics and keeps the wine fresh. Before bottling it rests around three months on its lees, which adds a little texture and roundness to the mid palate without dulling the aromatics. The blend is farmed organically. The colour is pale straw with green tints. The nose is openly aromatic, with white flowers, elderflower and white peach lifted by citrus and a Muscat driven, grapey top note. The palate is dry, fresh and medium bodied, with orchard and stone fruit carried by lively acidity into a clean finish. Serve at 8 to 10 degrees. Its aromatics and freshness suit grilled fish, shellfish, salads, poultry and lightly spiced dishes.