Have You Ever Tasted a Macabeo?

Tonight, Denise selected our wine because of it’s unique label, but it is also a new variety for us to taste. We have never had a single variety Macabeo. This grape variety is normally used in blends, and is one of the main grapes used in Cava.The wine comes from a newer winery, Parajes del Valle that started in 2018. The winemaker is just 28 years old, but it seems she is very well regarded. They are Certified Organic. One website said the wine is excellent with crab legs.Tonight, we are enjoying:2023 Macabeo Ecologico. It is described as having juicy pear, green apple and citrus with bright acidity and a fresh mineral edge. The grapes are hand-picked, fermentation is started in stainless steel tanks with wild yeasts, and is finished in concrete for 15 days. Minimal sulphur is added after fermentation. The wine is stored in the concrete tanks until bottling. Bright; clean and crisp white fruit on the nose with yellow apple; crunchy pear and a bit of ripe green citrus. The palate is super clean and fresh with heaps of upfront acidity; lime and crisp yellow apple. There is a subtle floral note at the back and a little softer pear and melon. Mouthwatering.Denise liked the wine a lot, but thought it really needed to be paired with some food. I was less of a fan, but mostly because it just isn't my type of wine. We both gave it a three rating, Denise being a high three and close to four, and myself a low three close to a two.Next week we will taste and learn about Petite Sirah.