Valdespino Macharnudo Bajo 2022
An organic addition to the range of unfortified white wines from Valdespino
In the past few years Valdespino gradually developed a range of non-fortified white wines from Palomino grapes. It started with Ojo de Gallo (launched in 2015) and its nephew Albariza, as well as the higher-end Viña Macharnudo Alto (launched in 2018). In 2023 they expanded this collection with a first organic wine from a vineyard in Macharnudo Bajo.
Viña Los Arcos is a 6 ha vineyard in the highly regarded pago Macharnudo. Valdespino has restored the vineyard house, recovering some of the rural architectural heritage of Jerez. Los Arcos started as an organic vineyard in 2018, carrying out vineyard management using techniques and cultural practices that respect the fauna and the environment.
The harvest is done manually in small batches at night, avoiding high temperatures. The Palomino must is obtained without any mechanical pressure, fermented in really old, American oak barrels and rested on the lees for around 4 months. The DIAM cork, label and biodegradable sealing wax are 100% ecological too.
Viña Los Arcos in Macharnudo Bajo
Macharnudo Bajo – Viña Los Arcos 2022 (11%, Valdespino)
Nose: plenty of apple aromas (yellow) and pear with subtle hints of nectarine, melon and lime oil. Light honey. In the background there is the typical chalkiness of albariza soils, as well as hints of sea shells on the beach. Blanched Marcona almonds and subtle yeasty touches too.
Mouth: a nice mix of crisp green apples and warmer hints of dried yellow apples. Lively acidity. Tart pear and lemon zest, very refreshing. Later a hint of dried apricot appears, which is interesting. A light oxidative nutiness (cashews and walnuts) and an oily touch too, adding depth and body. Then the chalky minerality sets in again, with a firm drying character (grapefruit peel) and a hint of saltiness in the end, underlining its coastal upbringing. The finish is not very long, but clean and moreish.
Availability: typically around € 13-16, check Bodeboca, Vila Viniteca or Vinissimus for instance. Here in Belgium I ordered a bottle from Broekmans.
Summary: Another vibrant white from Valdespino, with plenty of apple influence, chalky minerality and a lively acidity. Easy to see how this is related to a proper Fino sherry, while keeping the food pairing possibilities of a classic white wine.
3.5
Really good
About the Author
Ruben is a Certified Sherry Educator who fell in love with sherry some 25 years ago, but switched to a higher gear in 2013 and started writing about it. Lived in Madrid for a couple of years, now back in Belgium. I also run a whisky blog over at www.whiskynotes.be
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