Miguel Castro Maillo El Emir 2023

If you're a fan of sweet wines, you're going to love El Emir, the new naturally sweet wine by Miguel Castro Maillo! Made with 100% Pedro Ximénez grapes, El Emir hails from the historically renowned Sierra de Montilla region and showcases the essence of the land – from its unique Tosca de Albariza soil to its carefully selected, aged vines. With only 540 bottles of this exquisite 375ml wine produced, it's a rare treat. WINE MAKINGAfter a meticulous selection of vineyards in the Vereda del Cerro Macho region, specifically in the Benavente Alto area, grapes were sourced from goblet-trained vines typical of Montilla.These vines, aged between 40 and 80 years, produce an average yield of 5,000 kg/ha due to their age.The soil is albariza - a lumpy, highly calcareous loam known for its exceptional ability to retain moisture and gradually release it to the vines, which makes viticulture possible in this challenging climate.Harvest took place on August 21, 2023. On the same morning, the grapes were carefully laid out on racks to begin the raisining process.During sunset, the grapes were turned over to ensure even drying.Once the optimal level of raisining was achieved, the grapes were collected in boxes for pressing on August 30.From 1,350 kg of grapes, 225 litres of must were extracted, resulting in a yield of 16.67%.TASTING NOTES:Appearance: Light amber in colour.Aromas: Intense aromas of raisined fruits like dates, dried apricots, and figs, with a hint of citrus marmalade. Palate: To taste - it is balanced between sweetness and acidity, with notes of sultanas and honey. Serving Temperature: 6 - 8ºC.Perfect Pairings: Blue cheese, nuts, and rich desserts, like fruit tart or crème brûlée.