Blanc de Marges
Vallbona de les Monges is a land of drystone walls. Known in Catalan as marges, they surround the estates and are testimony to a lively and resilient farming past we are striving to uphold. Blanc de Marges is keen to reflect that landscape.
The main variety in Blanc de Marges is the Parellada, which grows on the terraces supported by the walls. From the outset we undertook to recover this historical local variety at L’Olivera, in search of its natural expressiveness that exhibits delicacy and subtlety. The fresh and aromatic notes of the Malvasia and the structure provided by the Xarel·lo are blended with just the right contribution of Hungarian wood.
Terroir
ORIGIN: Vineyards around Vallbona de les Monges in the Corb River Valley subzone of the Costers del Segre DO. Plots characterised by the drystone walls that surround the vineyards, preserving the fertility of the soil and the efficiency of the water.
SOIL: Chalky clay soil with changing levels of stoniness and depth.
CLIMATE: The climate is continental Mediterranean, with cold dry winters and hot summers tempered by the soft evening breeze blowing in from the sea that cools the night, particularly during the ripening season. The scarce rainfall is concentrated in autumn and spring (350-450 mm yearly).
Varieties
Parellada (54%), Xarel·lo (40%), Malvasia (6%)
Vine growing
Organic farming. Manual harvest in crates of 10-12 kg.
Wine processing
Fermented at a controlled temperature in Hungarian oak barrels. Aged on the lees for 4 months and stirred (battonage) weekly.
Production
2020 vintage: 3,718 bottles
Technical sheet
Blanc de Marges 2020
Characteristics of the vintage
The 2020 vintage will be remembered for two reasons: the Covid19 pandemic and an exceptionally high rainfall (30-40% above average) during spring and summer, which brings us high plant growth and higher pressure of fungal diseases (mildew) that affected negatively the grape production. A hot summer and good climatic conditions during the harvest result in medium-high ripening and high fruit quality.
Viticulture and wine processing
Certified organic dry land farming. We harvest the grapes manually and press them whole, including seeds and stems. The wine is fermented at a controlled temperature (15-17ºC) in Hungarian oak barrels, with a new wood percentage always below 15% to respect the Parellada variety traits. It is aged on the lees and stirred (battonage) every week during the 4 month ageing period, creating a more full-bodied palate and subtly and elegantly incorporating the woody notes into the flavour of the wine. The blend is determined by sampling, seeking an elegant, fresh and original wine.
Analysis
Alcohol content: 12%
Total acidity: 3.38 g/l (sulphuric acid)
Volatile acidity: 0.41 g/l
Residual sugar: 0.4 g/l (glucose+fructose)
Total sulphur: 49 mg/l
Tasting notes
Intense and fresh on the nose, with aromas of white fruit, dried flower and citrus,and marked presence of lactic aromas on a background of toasted notes. On the palate, the citrus fruits return in a long and fresh wine, with a good acidity, a long aftertaste and toasty notes in the aftertaste. Blanc de Marges goes well with sea and mountain rice and white meat stews. It is also a good choice with pasta or legumes or more exotic dishes such as sushi.
Awards
Peñín Guide:
2021: 91 points (2018 vintage)
2019: 90 points (2016 vintage)
2012: 88 points (2009 vintage)
Guia de Vins de Catalunya:
2021: 9.51 points (2018 vintage)
2018: 9.4 points (2016 vintage)
International Wine Awards 2019:
Gold medal (2018 vintage)
Ecoracimo 2019:
Gold medal (2018 vintage)