Soto Manrique El Galayo Blanco 2023

El Galayo is part of Soto Manrique’s work with the historic growers’ cooperative in Cebreros, helping bring new life to the region’s remarkable old vineyards in the Sierra de Gredos. This 2023 Blanco is made from 100% Albillo Real grown as old bush vines at high altitude on granite and slate soils. The grapes are fermented on skins in concrete for 30 days before spending three months on lees, giving this considerably more texture and character than a conventional Spanish white.

Golden-amber in colour, it combines white flowers and stone fruit with dried-fruit and nutty notes, while the palate is broad, creamy and gently structured yet retains plenty of freshness. It’s essentially a very approachable skin-contact white: complex and savoury without becoming overly funky. The 2023 has also been rated 91 points by Robert Parker/Wine Advocate.