2015 Clos Nelin Blanco

The one white here, the 2015 Nelin has a base of Garnacha Blanca and Macabeo (the grape that in Rioja is called Viura) from vines ranging between five and 20 years of age. This underwent a 10- to 15-day cold soak followed by a slow fermentation, which can last from five to 15 months! In fact, this is a vintage that took a full 15 months to ferment. It matured in 1,200-liter oak vats for 12 months followed by six months in stainless steel. The extremely long fermentation resulted in a closed, austere wine that should develop very slowly, as it was in a reductive phase for a very long time. This is a very austere and serious white that is more about soil than fruit. There are subtle aromas of dried flowers, chamomile and wet stones, and the palate is round, complete and has integrated acidity and supple flavors with a mineral, austere finish. They believe this wine is better two years after bottling and that it develops for a long time in bottle. There is no Viognier in this vintage, and they are slowly removing foreign varieties. 7,500 bottles were filled in June 2016. This is one of the best whites from Priorat.