# La Bestia (2021)

- **Producer:** Oriol Artigas
- **Colour:** orange
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Pansa Blanca
- **Region:** Catalonia, Spain
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 11.5%
- **Average price:** €38
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** pear, apple, lemon, orange, herbaceous, fennel, toast, almond

## About this wine

Oriol Artigas, a former viticulture instructor, established his non-interventionist winery in 2011 with a focus on preserving ancient, head-trained coastal vineyards in Alella, located just north of Barcelona. Sourced from the century-old Les Licorelles vineyard planted in 1921, La Bestia grows on rare slate and schist soils rather than the granite sand typical of the appellation. Grown on south-facing slopes, these centenarian vines deliver a unique maritime expression deeply rooted in Catalan terroir.

## Interesting facts

- Sourced from centenarian Pansa Blanca vines planted in 1921 on rare schist soils.
- Macerated on skins for 11 days to achieve structural grip and savory complexity.
- Bottled completely free of added sulfites, unfined, and unfiltered.
- Extremely limited output of just 2,902 standard bottles produced in 2021.

## Food pairing

The skin-contact maceration gives this orange wine a light phenolic structure and savory profile that bridges white and red wine food pairings. Its vibrant Mediterranean acidity cuts through oily seafood and rich cured meats, while its distinct saline minerality complements grilled flavors and coastal cuisine without overpowering delicate ingredients.

## Wine making process

Farmed organically and biodynamically according to the lunar calendar, the Pansa Blanca grapes are hand-harvested and fully destemmed. Fermentation occurs spontaneously with indigenous yeasts, accompanied by 11 days of skin maceration. About 80% of the juice ferments in stainless steel tanks, while 20% ferments in old French oak barrels. The wine rests on its gross lees for 11 months in stainless steel before being bottled unfined, unfiltered, and without added sulfur dioxide.