2019 Maius Garnatxa Blanca Priorat

Maius DOQ Priorat is located in the upper part of the DOQ Priorat at approx. 550 m above sea level and the 12 hectare vineyard is located on the typical "licorella" (slate) rich mineral composition. The microclimate is very dry and warm, but due to the altitude it is clearly cooler at night. The vines have a very low yield due to the climate but also due to the vision of Josep Gomez. Due to the inhospitable area, industrialization of viticulture and the harvest is not possible, Josep and his team work the land in a traditional way. The result is very impressive, with two great wines with an unprecedented price / quality for a wine from the Priorat. The wines have a lot of character but at the same time a lively freshness, balance and elegance.

This beautiful white Priorat from Maius is a 100% Garnatxa Blanca (Grenache white) and has seen the light of day with the 2017 vintage. After the fully manual harvest at the end of September in the inhospitable part of the Priorat, the grapes are destemmed and are only crushed and not crushed to ensure that the oxidizable tannins cannot participate in the fermentation. This is much more work and also results in a seriously lower yield, but makes a really big difference in quality and potential. The grapes are fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel to obtain the most honest, authentic smell and taste of the Garnatxa Blanca (so no addition of oak or other aids that add flavor). The alcoholic fermentation takes place at a temperature of 16ºC. After about 10 days of fermentation, the wine continues to mature in peace for 4-5 months on its own lees (sur lie) to add extra flavor and a textural roundness to the wine. The dregs are regularly stirred so that all the juice comes into contact with the dregs. The wine is then bottled and is then bottle aged for at least another six months

In the glass, the Maius Blanc has a bright, pale lemon color with beautiful tears. In the nose the wine is medium bodied, fresh with aromas of green fruit (apple), stone fruit (peach), citrus fruit (lemon), flowers (elderflower), yeast notes (due to the lees of the wine) and a nice minerality with a touch of lime as befits a Priorat. In the mouth the wine is dry, with refreshing acidity, well-balanced presence of alcohol, creamy and elegant. The 13% alcohol is also very nice, so no excessively alcoholic wine, but elegance that typifies this white Maius.

In summary, the Maius is a very handsome white priorat with an excellent price/quality ratio, especially if we consider that we are talking about an authentic and fully manually produced wine where nature is allowed to do its work.