Celler Alimara Estrelles de Batea Garnatxa Blanca 2021

Celler Alimara is a small 6ha vineyard and winery in Terra Alta, Catalunya, owned by a Scottish couple who had been making wine in England for around 15 years before purchasing the vineyards in 2013. They are committed to making wine sustainably and honestly, looking for an authentic expression of the Mediterranean climate and calcareous clay soils that mark their region. Their vineyards are worked organically according to regenerative principles, aiming to build up the soil health and encourage biodiversity by using no herbicide or insecticide on the property. In the winery they use minimal sulphites and avoid fining and filtration as much as possible (making all of their wines suitable for vegans as well!)

The Estrelles de Batea wines are a pair of great value everyday drinkers, with a real Catalunyan soul and depth of flavour. This lovely white is made of entirely Garnatxa Blanca (Grenache Blanc by its Catalan name) fermented in stainless steel then matured on lees in an old oak foudre - another name for a very big barrel.

On the nose you find apricot and pear, with a hint of raw honey. The palate has a nice weight and texture to it, before finishing clean and dry with a lasting apple note. The balance and body will make this a superb food pairing wine, try it with paellas, garlicky hummus or grilled chicken.