Lucy Chilvers, Sasa 2023
Place: Penedes, Spain
Grape: Xarel-lo
Vibe: Serious Skinsy
A very special wine, named after her mentor, the one and only Sasa of Radikon fame. The maceration master has clearly passed down a few tricks. Here, Xarel-lo sees a three-week skin soak, with only the pressed juice being used. Structure is further enhanced by time in a single 225L chestnut barrel. There’s a real moreish grip and cord-like tannin on show, wrapped around a salty, stone-fruited core. It’s a Friuli x Penedès mash-up you never knew you needed. ABV: 11.7%