The first single-vineyard Airén is the 2019 Las Tinadas Airén de Pie Franco, but more vintages should follow in the future. Pie Franco means "ungrafted" in Spanish, which is how the vineyard was planted. His grandparents said it was the best Airén vineyard they had, and now it's organically farmed. The grapes fermented in a 5,000-liter stainless steel vat with yeasts selected from this very same vineyard that they saw were unique. They matured the wine with lees for four months in 100-year-old 4,500-liter tinajas, following the local tradition. The 70-year-old vines are planted on limestone-rich soils at 740 meters in altitude. It was very surprising, serious austere and mineral, a balanced and fresh white from a warm place and a warm vintage, with insinuating aromas and terrific balance in the palate, focused, long and tasty. Who could imagine Airén could be this exciting?

Gorgeous nose, fresh stone fruit, nice suggestion of florality. Has good richness and texture, lime and mandarin skin. Fresh and sherbety twang on the layered structured finish. This is so bright and enjoyable yet with wonderful texture throughout. Drink 2021 – 2026.