Celler Alimara, AmbPells, 2020

Following years of persistence and study, Andy and Ali’s winemaking dreams materialized in the form of Celler Alimara in Terra Alta, Catalonia. The vineyards are located at Mas de Cabrera, near Gandesa, 400m above sea level on chalk and clay soils. The hot and dry summers are influenced by two prevailing winds: the Cierzo blowing from the interior and the Garbí bringing more humid air from the Mediterranean.
Celler Alimara adopts the “Lutte Raisonée” philosophy in the vineyard meaning that organic/biodynamic principles are followed unless extreme circumstances dictate the need for pesticides or other chemicals. Apart from ploughing, all work in the vineyard is done by hand.

A wonderful “skin contact” wine made in the ancient Brisat style of Southern Catalonia. Made from 100% Garnatxa Blanca (White Grenache) this “orange” wine was fermented with natural yeasts on its skins for 50 days, before maturation in a large oak foudre and bottling without filtration. Only 2,030 bottles made.

Beguiling pale gold colour. Intense apricot marmalade, icing sugar and tangerine nose. The palate is much more serious, a dry wine with yellow plums and a hint of moscatel grapes with good mouthfeel and firm but unastringent finish. A great introduction to skin-contact whites.