28 Feb Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Casa Mariol 2023 Garnatxa Blanca Ecologica, DO Terra Alta, Catalonia, Spain

Catalonia is an autonomous community in the northeast of Spain. Catalonia, whose capital is Barcelona, is a diverse region that consists of twelve wine appellations. One of these appellations is DO Terra Alta where the family winery Casa Mariol is located. As I tasted their Garnatxa Blanca, I understood why sommelier Lucas Paya says that DO Terra Alta may be home to the world’s purest expression of Grenache Blanc. That is why the Casa Mariol 2023 Garnatxa Blanca Ecologica from DO Terra Alta, Catalonia, Spain is the Please The Palate wine of the week.

About Catalonia

Catalonia is made up of a patchwork of meso-climates. The region includes both coastal climates, due to the eastern part of the region’s proximity to the ocean, and continental climates for the more inland areas. In addition, there are mountains in Catalonia which means that there is substantial mountain viticulture. Overall, there are 8500 winegrowers and 800 wine cellars in Catalonia and 1/3 of the wine producers are certified organic.

About DO Terra Alta

Terra Alta was established as a DO in 1982. It is home to some of the highest elevation vineyards which are located on a windy limestone-based plateau and the climate is Mediterranean. Two prevailing winds, the dry north (El Cierzo) and moist southeast (El Garbí), provide optimal conditions for growing grapes. Historically, the region was home to large cooperatives who make skin-contact white wine, as well as fortified rancio sweet, late harvest, and orange (“brisats”) wines. Today there are 61 wineries in the region. While 72% of the production in Terra Alta is of red wine and 18% of the production is white wine, the DO Terra Alta is for 100% Garnatxa Blanca (Grenache Blanc) wine.

About Casa Mariol

Casa Mariol is a family winery in Terra Alta that has been producing wine for three generations. Established in 1945 by Josep Maria Bes and Josefina Aguiló, their children Josep Vaquer, and Emília Llop took over in 1971. Today the third and current generation, Josep Maria, Miquel Àngel and Marta Vaquer, manage the winery. The winery is located in Batea, Terra Alta, a small region in the south of Catalonia. At Casa Mariol, they produce single-varietal wines and vermouths from their 50 hectares of vineyards, as well as other local small farmers. Their focus is on sustainability and both their Garnatxa Blanca and their Garnatxa Negra are certified organic and vegan certified. Each varietal bottling is a different color with a distinct design by German art director Mirko Borsche.

Tasting Notes

The Garnatxa Blanca Textured is picked early for freshness and the wine is not aged.  It is a clean and transparent wine that is pale yellow. The wine has a vibrant nose with floral and citrus notes. On the palate, the wine is fresh and bright with a textured midpalate and full mouth acidity for a long finish.

Food Pairing

Enjoy this wine with sushi, seafood, or a fish dish or try it with a salad or grilled vegetables.

Where to Purchase

The Casa Mariol Garnacha Blanc retails for $21. To find a retailer who sells it, check Wine-Searcher.com.