The 2017 Tros Blanc Saleras by Alfredo Arribas impressively demonstrates how finesse-driven and multi-layered white Grenache from the high altitudes of Montsant can be.
Bottler: Alfredo Arribas, C. de la Font n. 9, 43737 Gratallops / Spain
In the glass
Colour
Luminous straw yellow with delicate, golden highlights.
Nose
Nuances of toasted brioche with salted butter, ripe apple and juicy peach, backed by cold smoke, nutty notes, sage and cool menthol.
Palate
Sumptuous, powerful and with abundant creaminess, balanced by a chalky-earthy freshness; the finish reveals dried herbs, hay, roasted almonds and plenty of umami.
Character
Complex, multi-layered and elegant; defined by a dialogue between gentle ripeness and fine texture.
Pairing
Outstanding with pan-fried turbot on a herb foam, veal cutlet with porcini mushrooms, or roasted poultry with almond sauce.
Notes
Single-vineyard cuvée from nearly 70-year-old vines grown on sandy-calcareous soils at an altitude of 325 metres, aged in French oak barrels.
Tasting note
Colour & Appearance
Luminous straw yellow with delicate hints of pale gold.
Nose
A reverent first impression: ripe peach and juicy apple unfold on the nose, accompanied by nutty nuances reminiscent of toasted brioche with salted butter. Subtle cold smoke, an ethereal freshness and notes of sage and menthol lend a fascinating complexity to the aromatics.
Palate
On the palate, the wine appears opulent and powerful, yet is immediately reined in by a chalky, focused structure. Plentiful texture meets earthy tones, dried hay and herbs. A subtle maturity creates pronounced umami nuances, while the fruit gently steps into the background.
Finish
Very long-lasting and intense. The aftertaste is dominated by toasted notes of roasted almonds and salt dough, lending grip and a wonderful length to the finish.
Terroir & Origin
Originates from a single vineyard site in Montsant at an altitude of 325 metres. The subsoil of this parcel is characterized by barren sand on a chalk-rich base, which imparts a taut elegance to the wine.
Grape Variety & Vinification
Blend from nearly seventy-year-old Garnacha Blanca vines, interspersed with individual Macabeo vines. Hand-harvested at the end of August 2017. Fermentation takes place in large French oak vats, followed by ten months of maturation on the lees in 500-litre tonneaux.
Food Pairings
A classic pairing with pan-fried turbot, braised veal brisket or roasted cauliflower with hazelnut butter.
Special Features
Alfredo Arribas masterfully translates his architectural philosophy – purposeful reduction – to this single-vineyard wine: despite 14% ABV and an expressive texture, this white parcel retains a breathtaking freshness and delicate structure.