ESCOCES VOLANTE Papa Luna Old Vine Macabeo 2021 Bottle (los)

Description

IN BRIEF
Escoces Volante Papa Luna Old Vine Macabeo 2021 is a captivating white wine that beautifully showcases the distinct characteristics of the Macabeo grape, particularly celebrated in the Catalonia region of Spain. Sourced from old vines, this wine typically yields lower quantities of high-quality grapes, resulting in a more concentrated and expressive profile. The 2021 vintage presents a bright, pale straw colour, inviting you to explore its aromatic offerings. The nose reveals vibrant aromas of citrus fruits, green apple, and white peach, complemented by delicate floral notes and a hint of minerality. On the palate, it offers refreshing acidity and round texture, with zesty lemon and orchard fruit flavours that lead to a clean, lingering finish, making it perfect for pairing with seafood and light dishes.

ABOUT THIS WINE
Escoces Volante Papa Luna Old Vine Macabeo 2021 is an intriguing white wine that showcases the unique characteristics of the Macabeo grape, a variety celebrated in Spain, particularly in the regions of Catalonia. This wine is crafted from old vines, which typically yield lower quantities of high-quality grapes, resulting in a more concentrated and expressive profile.

The 2021 vintage presents a bright, pale straw colour, inviting you to explore its aromatic offerings. On the nose, you’ll find vibrant aromas of citrus fruits, green apple, and white peach, complemented by delicate floral notes and a hint of minerality that reflects the vineyard's terroir. This aromatic complexity sets the stage for an enjoyable tasting experience.

On the palate, Escoces Volante Papa Luna is known for its refreshing acidity and round texture. The flavours of zesty lemon and orchard fruits are perfectly balanced, with the old vines contributing depth and richness to the wine. Its clean and crisp nature leads to a satisfying finish that lingers pleasantly, showcasing the wine's character.

This Macabeo is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, making it an excellent choice for many culinary adventures. It complements seafood, such as grilled fish and shellfish, along with light salads and vegetable dishes.

Overall, Escoces Volante Papa Luna Old Vine Macabeo 2021 is a beautifully crafted wine that exemplifies the quality of old vine fruit. With its vibrant flavours and aromatic complexity, it provides a delightful experience for those looking to explore the expressive nature of Macabeo in a modern setting. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with food, this wine is sure to impress.

JAMES SUCKLING 92 points
Lots of spices, sweet cherries, raspberries and hints of chocolate on the nose. Some ground white pepper. Juicy and racy on the medium- to full-bodied palate, with a dusty texture to its tannins and savory mineral undertones at the end. Its stony, earthy backbone and crunchy acidity make it very gastronomic. Old-vine grenache with syrah and mazuelo. Drink or hold.

THE WINE ADVOCATE 91 points
Reviewed by: Luis Gutiérrez
Drink Date: 2024 - 2028
The red blend 2022 Papa Luna was produced with 75% Garnacha, 20% Syrah and 5% Mazuelo from an early harvest after a warm and dry year. It fermented with selected yeasts and matured in underground concrete tanks with fine lees for 15 to 20 months. It has plenty of aromatic herbs, mostly thyme, and good intensity. It's clean and tasty, juicy, with very round tannins, fresh and easy to drink. The entry-level reds have more of their own grapes, so they feel there's more percussion in the wines. It's a very good 2022. I tasted a bottle from the August 2024 bottling, the second bottling of this vintage for The Wine Society.

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ABOUT THIS PRODUCER
Escocés Volante is a unique winery located in the heart of the Douro Valley in Portugal, a region known for its dramatic landscapes and exceptional wine production. Founded by Scottish winemaker George Sandeman, Escocés Volante embodies a blend of Scottish heritage and Portuguese tradition, dedicated to producing high-quality wines with a distinct character.

The name "Escocés Volante," which translates to "Flying Scotsman," reflects Sandeman’s passion for the Douro Valley and his commitment to creating wines that represent the terroir of the region. The winery focuses on indigenous grape varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, and Tinta Barroca, which thrive in the valley's unique schist soils and warm climate.

Escocés Volante is particularly known for its rich and expressive red wines, which are characterized by their bold fruit flavors, fine tannins, and aromatic complexity. Each wine is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, employing traditional winemaking techniques along with modern practices to enhance the expression of the grapes. The wines undergo careful fermentation, followed by aging in oak barrels, allowing them to develop depth and finesse.

In addition to its red offerings, Escocés Volante also produces white wines, highlighting the region's diversity and the potential of its grape varieties. These wines showcase vibrant acidity and fresh fruit characteristics, making them delightful accompaniments to a range of cuisines.

The winemaking philosophy at Escocés Volante emphasizes a deep respect for the environment and a commitment to sustainability. The team employs practices that promote biodiversity and protect the unique ecosystem of the Douro Valley.

As Escocés Volante continues to gain recognition both locally and internationally, it remains dedicated to honouring its heritage while embracing the future of winemaking in Portugal. Each bottle tells a story of passion, innovation, and the beauty of the Douro Valley, inviting wine enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the artistry behind this remarkable winery. Whether enjoyed on special occasions or savoured with everyday meals, wines from Escocés Volante celebrate the vibrant spirit of Portuguese viticulture.