'Ox' Blanco Malaparte
This 'Ox' Blanco Malaparte is an oxidative white, in half-bottle format. Made from several local white grape varieties, it undergoes a very special method of ageing: it is placed in large glass demijohns, left outdoors for a whole year, matured by the bad weather of the 'castillano' climate. This allows the development of 'flor', yeasts that give the wine its special oxidative character: aromas of macerated fruit and flowers, toasted nuts, as well as giving it great body. The result is a rich and very pleasant wine, perfect to sip calmly, perhaps with a board of savoury cheeses
Malaparte's 'OX' Blanco is produced in the autonomous region of Castilla y León. Mariano de Frutos' business started in 1996, when he bought about 3 hectares of land cultivated entirely with Tempranillo, in an area that has always been suitable for viticulture. In 2004, he began the actual marketing of his wine, which has evolved over time, also thanks to the entry into the company of Elisa and Ruben, who take care of the commercial and technical departments respectively. Mariano has also started a work of recovery and valorisation of old indigenous vines, in order to give more and more prominence to the promising Spanish territory.
The Albillo, Jerez, Huerta del Rey and Verdejo grapes of Malaparte's 'OX' Blanco grow on limestone soils at an altitude of around 900 metres above sea level. The climate is characterised by high temperatures in summer, but with little humidity present and mild winters, thanks to the intervention of sea breezes; there are significant temperature swings between day and night that lead to the grapes reaching full ripeness. The grapes are harvested manually and a spontaneous alcoholic fermentation with indigenous yeasts takes place in steel in the cellar. It matures 12 months in glass demijohns placed outdoors for about a year.
Malaparte's 'OX' Blanco is an intense golden yellow in the glass with brilliant reflections; the aromas are reminiscent of fruit jam, macerated flowers and notes of dried fruit. In the mouth it reveals a rich, intense, slightly oxidised structure and a fresh finish that invites you to drink. It pairs perfectly with stewed white meats, smoked fish and first courses with seafood and shellfish; interesting with blue cheeses. A niche product to keep in one's personal cellar to be drunk on special occasions or to celebrate family celebrations, enjoying a unique product with rare flavours.