Finca Casa Balaguer, Vino Blanco, Alicante, Spain

Who - Andres Carull & Marta Ribera, Finca Casa Balaguer
Where - Alicante, Spain
What - White Wine - Merseguera, Malvasia, Moscatel, Tortosi, Verdil
When - 2024
How  - Organic/Biodynamic, each variety fermented spontaneously but separately with varying amounts of skin contact and ageing, then blended to settle for three months in concrete tank and bottled with light filtration, Vegan

Finca Casa Balaguer are a small family run winery in Alicante where they focus on making wines in the most natural way possible. They believe "our grapes should express themselves naturally, so it is our job as winemakers to provide them with the best possible environment in which to grow. The less intervention from us in the winery the better, so our wines can truly reflect the character of our wonderful land" 

Their estate was established in the 19th century and is set over the ancient course of the Vinalopo river which has left incredibly complex make up of soil which allows them to produce wines rich in minerality and salinity. They farm vines, alongside olives, cereals, almonds and fruit trees without any chemicals or shortcuts - 100% organically and biodynamically with the integration of animals including goats, donkeys, hens, rabbits, cats and geese, many of which have been rescued.

A large portion of the grapes for Casa Balaguer's Blanco are grown in the 'Parque Natural de la Mata Torrevieja', a national park just south of the city of Alicante and comprising of salt water lagoons right by the coast. Some of the bush vines are even nestled in the sand dunes.

It's a blend of varieties native to the region - 30% Merseguera, 30% Malvasia, 20% Moscatel, 10% Tortosi & 10% Verdil. Expect citrus and stone fruit alongside the classic Mediterranean, fennel, eucaluyptus and dried spice.