2022 Joan Ramón Escoda 'Mas del Gaio' White, Conca de Barberà, Spain

Mas del Gaio is the top white from Celler Escoda-Sanahuja, and the 2022 is truly a stellar vintage! An old-vine expression from rustic limestone vineyards next to the winery, blending Garnacha Blanca, Maccabeu, and Parellada. Garnacha Blanca and Maccabeu are fermented together, with the Parellada harvested usually a week to 10 days later and fermented separately. Once everything is combined, the wine is aged mostly in large amphora, with old French barrels also employed. The wine has a bit of skin contact but we wouldn't call it an "orange wine." On the palate there are stone fruits, notes of lemon verbena, and fuzzy peach skins, with a long, fleshy and salty finish. Fantastic acidity and viscosity from the lees aging. Tropical too, with subtle notes of passion fruit. All in all, a transportive wine and a really solid vintage for Joan Ramon steel. No SO2 added.