El Pico de illana - Macabeo, Airén, Sauvignon Blanc

• Vintage: 2018
• Origin: Viño de La Tierra de Castilla, Spain

• Taste Guide: Dry and refreshing with tropical fruit flavours, hints of citrus, creaminess and floral/aromatic notes too - unoaked wine, more detail below.
• Food Match: The ideal partner for white fish, shellfish, salads and soups - or just enjoy on its own
• 75cl - 13% - Screwcap
• Estate Produced and Bottled

Produced by Bodegas y Viñedos Llana from grapes grown in their own vineyards, this wine is a blend of two Spanish varietals, Macabeo and Airén, together with Sauvignon Blanc. Macabeo is the local synonym for Viura, the grape of white Rioja. The winery is situated near to Cuenca in central Spain, but for this wine some grapes come from vineyards outside the main D.O. so has to be classified as a Viño de La Tierra Castilla.

Grapes were harvested in the early morning to protect the fruit's freshness with each varietal separately harvested and subsequently vinified in the Bodega's very modern facilities. Stainless steel was used throughout and each cuvée was allowed to rest on the lees for a short period prior to blending by the winemaker. The final wine, approximately 50% Macabeo, 30% Airén and 20% Sauvignon Blanc, was then left in stainless steel vats for a few weeks for the blend to marry.

The result is a wine of considerable class and quality. Pale straw in colour it offers aromatic aromas of peach and nectarine, with crisp lemon tones and grassy notes from the Sauvignon. This is followed through to the palate where the resting on the lees adds complexity and creaminess to the wine. Full of fruit with good minerality and great length.

An aromatic and fruity wine from central Spain combining two Spanish varietals, Macabeo and Airén with Sauvignon Blanc. Very classy wine at a bargain price.

Sells in other outlets for prices up to £8. At BinEndWines just £5.85. Still drinking very well.