Cisteller Penedes Xarel-lo 2022

"The growing season was marked by severe drought in all of our vineyards, as well as four heatwaves leading up to harvest in key moments of the grapevine cycle. Harvest had the earliest start on record, and as could be expected, harsh growing conditions lead to markedly low yields (2.5-4 T/ha), but delivered grapes with excellent quality and remarkable concentration and balance. Our Xarel·lo consists of 3 separate blocks, two located in Muntanyes d’Ordal (where we have the family estate of el Sot) and a third one in the Massís del Garraf. All 3 blocks share similar soil compositions, being extremely calcareous and having a limestone-clay texture. All of our fruit is certified organic by CCPAE. All 3 blocks were hand harvested and vinified separately. All the fruit was whole-bunch pressed at very low pressure, followed by light racking. All 3 blocks were fermented separately, using stainless steel, concrete amphorae and 300 liter French and Hungarian oak barrels. All 3 wines were kept on fine lees throughout fall and winter, with different bâtonnage regimes. The final blend was made in the spring, leaving the wine in tank for a few extra weeks before bottling, allowing the wine to integrate. The wine was not cold or heat stabilized prior to bottling. Bottled in April 2023." -Winery notes