DO Utiel-Requena, Valencia, Spain
Chozas Carrascal is one of 20 wineries with Spain’s highest designation, Vino de Pago, meaning the winery forms its own Denomination of Origin. Vino de Pago wineries are at the absolute pinnacle of the Spanish wine hierarchy. To achieve this special designation, Chozas Carrascal have been daring in their viticulture approach, planting vines at a density of 1,335/acre (3,300/ha), far denser than any vineyards nearby. This forces vines to compete for water and nutrients and drives yields down. The vineyards grow on a slight slope. Sunlight, cool coastal breezes and loamy, chalky soil all contribute to the quality of the wines produced.
This vintage is composed of 80% Macabeo (also known as Viura) and 20% Sauvignon Blanc, with 8 hours of maceration on skins, fermentation in concrete eggs and lees aging in stainless steel tanks. Macabeo/Viura is capable of producing a wide profile of white wines with fresh, floral, aromatic versions when harvested early enough and aged in stainless steel to the more weighty, honeyed and nutty profiles when harvested slightly later and aged in oak.
As this wine ages on lees in stainless steel tanks, we see more freshness and aromatic intensity here. Ripe peach, green apple, delicate florality and a grassy/wild herb element are at the core of this medium-bodied, crisp white. This is easy-drinking but with enough structure and intensity to make it an excellent addition to the dinner table.
Enjoy chilled with sautéed prawns, paella, grilled fish, grilled chicken or light appetizers.