Celler Credo, Miranius (2022)

“Miranius”—which translates loosely into Catalan as “peers into nests” (a tribute to the foxes which sometimes roam their biodiverse vineyards looking for a snack)—is 100% Xarel-lo, in part from some of the estate’s younger vines, and in part from fruit purchased from a handful of biodynamically farming friends in the immediate area. Fermentation proceeds spontaneously in stainless steel, and the wine rests on its fine lees in steel for six months before being bottled with a non-sterile filtration and a minuscule dose of sulfur. “Miranius” displays the brisk, agile side of Xarel-lo, a variety whose relatively neutral fruit character allows for a powerful articulation of calcareous minerality. Xarel-lo’s naturally high acidity brings balance in this warm Mediterranean climate, and indeed this wine is bright, saline, and immensely refreshing, as well as a tremendous value.