White Wine Nals Margreid Mantele Sauvignon Blanc 2019. Drink it now. No need to decant. Established in 1985, after the merger of the two wineries Nalles and Margreid, the Nals Margreid winery produces high-quality wines in the Adige Valley in South Tyrol. The vines are located between 250 and 900 meters above sea level with ideal conditions for a wide variety of grape varieties. Today the oenologist Harald Schraffl heads the modern company, which focuses on organic cultivation and, in addition to culinary specialties, also attracts visitors to South Tyrol with its simple architecture of the wine. The 140 members of the Nals Margreid winery have a talent for aromatic grape varieties. Their Sauvignons are among the best in South Tyrol. Mantele is a high-quality Sauvignon that the cellarman Harald Schraffl produces to express the typicality of the vine and terroir to the maximum. The grapes come from vineyards up to 400 meters high on land consisting of 70% limestone and 30% porphyry gravel resulting in wines with a mineral character. After a brief pause on the skins, the must ferments in large wooden barrels for about three weeks and then matures on the fine lees for eight months. This aromatic Sauvignon Blanc has a straw yellow color. On the nose, it displays notes of citrus, grapefruit, elderflower, and pepper. On the palate, it is juicy and fresh, powerful, yet elegant and lively. It is great as aperitif and works well with fish, seafood and shellfish, and light starters.
2019
White Wine Nals Margreid Mantele Sauvignon Blanc 2019
White Wine Palacio de Fefinanes Albarino de Fefinanes III Ano 2019. Serve well chilled. Situated in the cloisters an imposing Renaissance palace built in 1621, the Palacios de Fefinanes winery was founded in 1904 and has played a crucial role in the history of Spanish wine. In 1928 the winery became the first to bottle the Albariño grape variety and the family have specialised in these crisp, vibrant white wines ever since. Their Albariño de Fefinanes III Ano is a very special expression of the varietal which is produced in very limited quantities from the finest grapes sourced from local grape-growing families. The grape must is fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve the freshness and aromatic character of the Albariño. The young wine then spends seven months ageing on the lees to add extra complexity followed by a further 23 months of maturation in the family’s cellars before it is deemed ready for release. On the nose the wine opens with delicate aromas of almond blossom, grapefruit, white peaches, and lemon zest which carry through onto the palate. There’s a bright acidity, lingering ripe stone fruit flavours, and a creamy texture from the extended ageing on the lees. The slightly more structured character of this Albariño makes it ideal to pair with meaty seafood dishes like lobster, scallops, or pan-fried cod.
2019
White Wine Pares Balta Cosmic 2019. Set in the gorgeous Penedes countryside close to the vibrant city of Barcelona, Parés Baltà is a family-run winery with a passion for top quality winemaking and care of the natural world. The estate is run by brothers Joan and Josep Cusiné while their talented wives, Elena Jimenez and Marta Casas, take care of the winemaking. To produce the best quality grapes possible, the estate is farmed organically and the family also use traditional practices like using sheep to naturally fertilize the vineyards. The Cosmic Blanco is a light and fresh white wine which is made from Xarel·lo and a smaller proportion of Sauvignon Blanc grapes. The must is fermented in stainless steel tanks for 18 days and then aged on the lees for 3 months to give a creamy texture and soft, smooth mouthfeel. On the nose the Cosmic Blanco exudes crisp aromas of green apples, lemon zest, and honeysuckle, while the first sip reveals a bright acidity, ripe stone fruit flavours, and a hint of flinty minerality. The fresh and lively personality of this wine make it ideal to serve as an aperitif or alongside fresh seafood and Mediterranean fish dishes.
2019