Vega de Ribes Sasserra 2021

Sasserra is made by Vega de Ribes at Sant Pere de Ribes, near Barcelona, in the D.O. Penedès. The winery sits in the Garraf massif, a limestone range that shields this part of the Penedès from the direct influence of the sea. The wine is a single variety Malvasía de Sitges, a native Catalan grape grown organically. Malvasía de Sitges is naturally aromatic, and here the limestone soils give the wine its depth and its marked salinity, while the coastal position and altitude keep the fruit fresh. Vinification is straightforward: after fermentation the wine rests for a period in bottle before release, an approach that keeps the focus on the grape and the site rather than on oak. The colour is pale straw. The nose shows lemon and green apple with white peach, lifted by white flowers, citrus peel and a note of dried thyme. The palate is dry and fresh, with real depth and a saline, mineral finish that reflects the limestone. Serve at 9 to 11 degrees. It suits shellfish, grilled white fish and light salads.