Finca Villalobillos Barrel Fermented, Airen, 2021

Finca Villalobillos Airén Pie Franco Fermentado en Barrica by Bodegas García de Lara is a distinguished barrel-fermented white wine that exemplifies the potential of the Airén grape. Sourced from ungrafted vines planted in 1935 on the Villalobillos estate in Corral de Almaguer, Toledo, these vines thrive in dry-farmed, limestone-rich soils at an elevation of 708 meters.

The winemaking process involves gentle de-stemming and pressing to extract only the free-run juice, followed by static settling. Fermentation occurs in seasoned French oak barrels, with the wine aging on its lees for 12 months, including weekly bâtonnage during the first six months.

This meticulous approach yields a complex and expressive wine, featuring aromas of coconut, vanilla, spices, and fine herbs. On the palate, it offers a harmonious balance between the richness imparted by lees aging and a well-managed acidity, culminating in a savory, lively finish with a subtle saline touch .