Ripe scents of melons and white peaches have a lovely floral accent. At once crisp and mouth-filling, this vibrant white is bursting with minerally apple and quince flavors. The silky, fresh palate stays poised between tart and rich, finishing with lingering fruit and a hint of spicy anise.
Apricot, white peach, mandarin, honeydew melon, hazelnut and fennel.
Spain's wine renaissance has transformed this country into a treasure trove of delicious offerings. This bottling from Colinas del Ebro is a Garnacha Blanca, a white grape that dominates both northeast Spain and southern France, where it's known as Grenache Blanc. Wines made from it have a silky texture, low acidity and rich apple, melon and stone fruit flavors. But the grape's richness must be managed carefully: if grown in too warm a climate or picked too ripe, Garnacha Blanca tastes heavy and flat. Vibrant acidity is crucial to offset the variety's high alcohol and round texture. The grapes for this wine came from century-old vines that grow at an elevation of more than a thousand feet. Cool nights and low yields produced a wine with concentrated flavors and a palate balanced between tart and rich. Colinas del Ebro is located in Terra Alta, a high plateau in Catalonia that is one of Spain's most exciting emerging regions. The five-year-old winery was founded by Rafael de Haan of Bodegas Abanico and winemaker Luis Martín, the technical director of Celler Batea. Martín fermented the grapes in stainless steel to keep the fruit and mineral flavors bright and pure.
Because of its intensity, this Garnacha Blanca should be accompanied by food. If you are serving the wine as an aperitif, choose hors d'oeuvres that will counter but not dominate its concentrated taste. Try tangy cheeses, cured meats, and fish and shellfish dishes that have a hint of richness, such as shrimp or scallops, or meaty fish like salmon or halibut. Preparations that include sharp or salty ingredients (fresh herbs, garlic, onions, bacon, olives) will be fantastic with the Colinas del Ebro's tart, full flavors. A great option is my Prosciutto Wrapped Crostini with Melon Salsa Crudo.
Catalonia comprises four provinces: Barcelona, Girona, Lleida and Tarragona. Its capital city is Barcelona.
