Ve d'Avior (Cati Ribot) 'Son Llebre' Mallorca Blanc 2022

Press 4 Mix/White • May 2024 Direct Press Selection

Mallorca, as a hot tourist spot, doesn't exactly scream natural wine destination, but thanks to Cati Ribot that is changing. She started working with her father in the 1990s when many Mallorcans were planting international varieties like Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Now she is leading efforts on the island to revitalize Mallorca's indigenous grapes, working with the government and getting these unique varieties listed on official registers. She has also been working organically since 2012 and biodynamically since 2014.

Three of these ancient grape varieties are featured in her Son Llebre Blanc: Malvasía de Banyalbufar, Girò Ros, and Prensal Blanc. One of the advantages to native grapes is that they are thick-skinned and drought-resistant, important in a typical year like 2022 that was very hot and dry. They're grown on the northern, iron-rich part of Mallorca. Half is vinified direct press and part is on the skins and it has an amber color. None of her wines have any sulfur addtions. The result is a singular wine that is snappy and complex, with an almost skunky tarragon, shiso note that is lifted up by floral and citrus elements. Jonathan Kemp