Garnatxa Blanca, Herència Altés 2024

Coming from a lesser-known part of Catalonia, this is a superb-value, organically grown white made from Herència Altés' signature white grape, Garnatxa Blanca. Fermentation with wild yeasts and regular lees stirring lend it a firm, rounded texture and savoury depth, while the fruit remains bright and defined. Citrus zest, pear and a faint herbal edge keep it lifted, giving a balance between freshness and weight that feels remarkably assured for a wine in this bracket. Serious complexity here, without a chunky price tag.

Very versatile. Excellent with seafood, grilled vegetables or chicken, yet structured enough to drink happily on its own.

Herència Altés is the project of local grower Núria Altés and her English partner, Rafael de Haan, set up in 2010 to bring a new energy to their once-overlooked corner of southern Catalonia, Terra Alta. Working with around 60 hectares of family vineyards in and around Gandesa, they focus on Garnatxa Blanca and Garnatxa Negra from old vines, farmed organically in a naturally dry, windy climate that helps keep disease pressure low and supports low-intervention growing. In doing so they have helped put the region on the map, combining a strong sense of heritage with a keen interest in sustainability, from solar energy to biodiversity projects among their vines.