Region and Vineyards
Set within D.O. Penedès in Catalunya, the Massís del Garraf is a limestone massif where thin, calcareous soils are strewn with marine fossils. The site's proximity to the Mediterranean tempers summer heat with sea breezes, yielding slower, more even ripening and preserving acidity. The geology imparts a distinctive chalk-saline signature—often translated as stony tension and a subtly briny persistence in white wines. Authoritative references emphasize Penedès' stylistic breadth and the importance of elevation and limestone for freshness and finesse in still whites.
El Rocallís is a 1.6-hectare southeast-facing parcel at 300 m, planted to 40-year-old Incrocio Manzoni on 41-B rootstock and trained Double Cordon Royat. The stony, fossil-rich soils limit vigor, concentrating flavor while retaining lift. Organic farming and careful canopy work favor aromatic clarity, while the exposure captures morning light and avoids harsh afternoon heat—an important factor for maintaining phenolic delicacy in this variety.
Winemaking
El Rocallís 2021 is 100% Incrocio Manzoni. Grapes were gently crushed and pressed without destemming. Fermentation was spontaneous: 80% in temperature-controlled stainless steel for purity; 20% in new and second-use French oak for texture and discreet spice. The wine then rested six months in barrel on lees, followed by two years in bottle before release, yielding a seamless integration of fruit, minerality and subtle oak nuance.
The estate applies a minimal-intervention philosophy: certified organic farming, light fining and filtration, and sulfur added only at bottling. Key analytics underline the profile—13.0% alc., 0.2 g/L residual sugar, 6 g/L total acidity, 65 mg/L total SO₂—pointing to a dry, incisive style with real drive. Vegan/vegetarian-friendly; natural cork; recommended service at 10-12 °C. Production: 1,200 bottles.
Tasting Notes
- Color: Golden yellow with bright highlights.
- Aroma: Peach, ripe pear and white blossom, with understated vanilla and nut accents from sensitive oak; a whisper of chalky, marine-tinged minerality.
- Palate: Supple stone- and orchard-fruit depth glides over a fine-grained, limestone spine; dry, vivid acidity (6 g/L TA) and gentle lees creaminess lead to a long, saline, nut-flecked finish.
Did you know?
Incrocio Manzoni—best known as Manzoni Bianco 6.0.13, a crossing of Riesling × Pinot Bianco—originates from Prof. Luigi Manzoni's 1930s breeding work in Conegliano. Carlos Esteva was a pioneer in introducing this variety to Penedès, where El Rocallís has become a reference expression for its terroir-first potential.
Wine Pairing Ideas
- Butter-poached turbot: Delicate richness mirrors the wine's lees silk while the saline, mineral cut refreshes each bite.
- Roast chicken with thyme and lemon: Citrus-herb aromatics echo the floral-peach spectrum; acidity lifts the jus.
- Lobster risotto: Creamy texture meets oak-polished breadth; chalky tension keeps the dish buoyant, not heavy.
- Aged Mahón or Comté: Subtle nuttiness resonates with the wine's nut and vanilla nuances without overwhelming fruit drive.
