Viñas de Gain Blanco 2018

Light lemon yellow, pale green reflections

The Viura from 2018 directly pairs a serious, adult character with plenty of spice and origin on the nose. Aromatic intensity, a fine woodiness and penetrating elegance are married. Grilled pineapple, quince and mirabelle plum make a loud, yellow-fruited start. Salted caramel stands out alongside sage and lemon balm. I detect a little brown butter and butterscotch. The wood leaves nuances of coconut and a delicate note of vanilla. These last two components can be misinterpreted, but they are subtle and delicate. Finesse is again expressed through its ethereal intensity.

The cool, continental climate with its strong amplitudes of day and night temperatures leaves its mark. Pressurised and skilfully charged in the yellow fruitiness, but at the same time it counters with a lot of haptics and structure. The fruit has a similar effect to the nose. Mirabelle and grilled pineapple dominate the picture. Underneath, there is plenty of linear chalky minerality. This animates enormously and breaks up its fullness. Full of finesse and elegance, it conveys a cool, almost salty impression. Roasted aromas show up in the form of cold smoke and fine wood spice. A little creamy creaminess with peach comes to the fore in the finish. On the palate, with patience and temperature, a bacony mouthfeel spreads. It would be exciting to compare it in a blind tasting with Meursault wines.