Log in / Sign up Serra i Bucelo Aucala Terra Alta Garnacha Blanca 2023
Josep Serra is (4th generation) winemaker of the Serra-Barcelo family property in Montsant. The family comes from Ribera del Ebre (in Catalan, this is the Ebro River valley between Montsant and Terra Alta). As well as Garnatxa Tinto in DO Montsant, Josep makes Garnatxa Blanca and Tinto in neighbouring DO Terra Alta. Josep started out as winemaker at the Falset co-op in Monstant from 1994-2002. He was then winemaker at Mas Perinet from 2002-2009, making both Priorat and Montsant wines from a bodega in each DO. Mas Perinet was one of the Pop Singer start-ups in the 1990s fools’ gold rush to harvest Priorat Parker Points, and has since been sold to a big US combine – but that’s not Josep’s fault! After Mas Perinet, Josep was responsible for viticulture and winemaking at Godelia in el Bierzo, working as a consultant while readying the two small family projects described here
Shellfish, poultry, mature and hard cheeses,
Rich with some barrel spiciness, the nose has the smell of nutty tannin in fresh-cut white fruit - custard apple, feijoa ... and a touch of earthier spiced quince.
The palate is a joyful romp of rich, buoyant fruit wonderfully constrained structurally by extremely neat spice, tannin grip from oak, fine acidity and flashing minerals a plenty. There's orchard-fruit perfume a-plenty in the back palate with lovely acidity, and a touch of refreshing astringency to close. Such a cleverly constructed (and delicious!) wine.
