Wines Unspecified Bodegas Carchelo - Carchelo Blanco - 2024

Bodegas Carchelo’s Cuvée Carchelo Blanco 2024 is a delightful Spanish white wine hailing from the Murcie region, known for its sun-drenched vineyards in the southeast of Spain. This cuvée is typically crafted from a blend of indigenous and international varieties such as Macabeo, Verdejo, and sometimes Sauvignon Blanc, although the precise cépages may vary with the vintage and the estate’s decisions. The wine, labelled as sec, is vinified to emphasise freshness and aromatic intensity, often fermenting in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats to preserve vibrant fruit aromatics and a crisp profile. The 2024 vintage, recently bottled, likely displays a youthful brightness, with pale straw colour, lively citrus and green apple notes, and perhaps a hint of Mediterranean herbs.

Murcie as a wine region benefits from a markedly warm Mediterranean climate, ensuring excellent ripeness and concentration in the grapes while retaining freshness, thanks to cool nights and occasional breezes from nearby mountain ranges like the Sierra del Carche. Murcie’s soils are typically limestone-rich with some clay, which lends a mineral backbone to the wines. The region has a longstanding winemaking tradition dating back to Roman times, though it is perhaps better-known for its structured reds; however, many producers, including Bodegas Carchelo, are proving the potential for high-quality whites that express both local and international character.

For food pairings, Carchelo Blanco shines alongside seafood-based tapas—think grilled prawns, calamari or boquerones en vinagre, but will also work beautifully with a classic paella de mariscos. Its clean acidity makes it a superb partner for summery salads, gazpacho, or soft fresh cheeses like Murcia al vino. Should you wish to stick to the region’s culinary themes, a plate of jamón serrano with almonds or even grilled vegetables drizzled with olive oil would also complement the lively style of the wine.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this white well-chilled, ideally between 8-10°C to accentuate its freshness and aromatics. As it is a young vintage, it is best consumed within 1-2 years of the harvest to fully appreciate its vivacious fruit and zesty palate.