2014 Akilia "K" Blanco Bierzo

The white, called simply 2014 K is a blend of 75% Palomino and 25% Doña Blanca. The grapes come from a small 0.2-hectare plot at 750 meters altitude and the wine matured in contact with the lees for five months before being bottled in March 2015. It's quite pale, austere, with some balsamic notes, something herbal (fennel) and a mineral, flinty feeling that made me think of a Riesling. The palate is fresh and very tasty, medium-bodied, with a salty finish. 2,000 bottles produced. (LG) (4/2016)

Composed of old vine Doña Blanca and Palomino from a mere half acre vineyard of sand over quartz and slate, this bright, intensely mineral and decidedly dry white is a revelation. Delicately floral, a bit peppery, and dry, dry dry, I'm almost thinking of a less showy, cool vintage Meursault while tasting this Spanish white. We continue to be mightily impressed by the wines, both reds and whites, made by Mario Ravira at Akilia, and think he is one of Spain's most talented young guns. Since the audience for Bierzo wines is still a relatively small one and Mario remains undiscovered by the critics, we encourage you to enjoy these great wines while they are still affordable!