Celler Alimara, AmbPells, 2020

Celler Alimara’s AmbPells is a brilliant example of a ‘skin-contact’ wine, made in the traditional Brisat style of Southern Catalonia. The nose bursts with intense notes of apricot marmalade, tangerine, and a dusting of icing sugar. On the palate, it shows a more serious side - dry and textured, with flavours of yellow plum and a subtle hint of Moscatel. The mouthfeel is full and satisfying, balanced by a firm yet gentle finish. A fantastic introduction to the world of skin-contact whites.

Made from 100% Garnatxa Blanca (White Grenache) this “orange” wine was fermented with natural yeasts on its skins for 50 days, before maturation in a large oak foudre and bottling without filtration. Only 2,030 bottles made.

Following years of persistence and study, Andy and Ali’s winemaking dreams materialized in the form of Celler Alimara in Terra Alta, Catalonia. The vineyards are located at Mas de Cabrera, near Gandesa, 400m above sea level on chalk and clay soils. The hot and dry summers are influenced by two prevailing winds: the Cierzo blowing from the interior and the Garbí bringing more humid air from the Mediterranean.

Celler Alimara adopts the “Lutte Raisonée” philosophy in the vineyard meaning that organic/biodynamic principles are followed unless extreme circumstances dictate the need for pesticides or other chemicals. Apart from ploughing, all work in the vineyard is done by hand.