Wise Rioja producers are acting on rising world-wide demand for white wines by increasing concentration and depth of flavor—rather than just making light quaffing wines or relying too much on oak. Here’s a case in point, with fruit from Viura grapes yielding a medium-bodied wine showing fruit akin to Golden Apples that’s lifted and energized by a streak of citrus acidity.
Interlaced with a yeasty note and a hint of mint, aromas of strawberry and cantaloupe announce this traditional-method blend of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir, only to reappear on the jaunty and refreshing palate with suggestions of red apple and citrus. White pepper adds dash on the finish.
Fruity and vivacious, with lemony acidity and a crisp edge, this traditional-method brut expression of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir abounds with golden apple, honeysuckle, and creamy lemon curd, while intriguing hints of pineapple bun and fresh linen add contour.
Plump summer pear and tangerine cream offer a superb succulence, combining Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Gewürztraminer. Acidity is vocalized in harmony with a steely frame.
A bold entry, with teeth-grabbing notes of plum and plum pith, dried violets, and licorice. Minerality goes deep from volcanic soils, aligned with a fine acid structure and silky, but sturdy tannins.
Licorice and espresso join up on a suede-lined path, with emerging notes of blackberry and graphite. Spiced tobacco and lavender are layered for more impact.
This vineyard sits 3,000 feet above sea level, the winery’s highest elevation site. Planted with six different Syrah clones, it not only speaks to the volcanic terroir of High Valley but also brings a comparison to a fine Northern Rhône style red. The seamless integration of tannins offers a textural paradigm of firm and supple. Its velvet mouthfeel and chalky mineral tonality fields flavors of plum and violets, with a vivacious, palate-coating fennel-cedar finish.
Dynamic red that entertains the palate with licorice-washed blackberry and black-peppered tree bark. Volcanic soils are immediately apparent as the top of the palate engages with a surge of graphite and roasted dark coffee beans. A notable single-vineyard red blend from an austere site.