Xot dels Aspres

The lands of Vinyes dels Aspres are located in the eastern part of the Cantallops district, the most northerly inland town of the Alt Empordà. There, at the foot of the Albera Massif, the granite and slate intermingle among the terrain's gentle but rocky undulations. In this setting of incomparable beauty and harshness, lies the Can Batlle country house, a 17th Century building with a long history in the manufacture of wine and oil, and also in the production of cork stoppers from the nearby cork tree forests. The strong Tramontana north wind gives the vines a good shaking, scattered over the family estate's 30 ha, mainly planted with the indigenous Garnacha and Cariñena varieties.

As might well be expected, Vinyes dels Aspres seeks to preserve its heritage with all due respect shown to the environment, without using any synthetic products. As a result of beneficial practices to the countryside, the biodiversity of these lands is very rich, and animals such as the Xot (little owl), a small migratory bird which gives the wine its name, nests among its trees.

After the hand harvesting of solely estate-grown grapes and a post-fermentative repose of 8 months in Allier oak barrels, Xot reaches our glasses with all the strength of its landscape. A dark seductive Picota cherry colour with aromas of undergrowth and cool spices (cloves). Enveloping, fresh, vibrant and mineral, enhanced with the appealing scents of well-ripened blackcurrants, mandarin peel and eucalyptus. The palate features a perfect acidity and a smooth mouthfeel, almost lactic. It continues to exude many more aromas after a good airing in the glass: roasted nuances, cocoa, even dates. Full-blown and intense from nose to aftertaste.