Ximénez-Spínola Fermentación Lenta 2018
Bright pale gold. Lifted nose of preserved lemon, quince, dried apricot, beeswax and toasted almond, with notes of fennel, chamomile, salted caramel and a subtle vanilla and toasted-oak frame. Full-bodied and textured on the palate, with concentrated stone-fruit intensity, a vivid saline mineral spine, fine phenolic grip and a long, savoury, slightly nutty finish. Drink now to 2030.
Nivarius La Nevera Rioja Blanco 2019
The 2019 Nivarius Finca La Nevera is a refreshing, high-altitude Rioja white (Maturana Blanca) from Nalda, showing intense aromas of pear, apple, quince, and white flowers. It features a creamy yet structured texture with high acidity, subtle nutty notes, and a long, savory mineral finish.
Key Tasting Notes
Aroma: Intense and fresh, featuring ripe apple, pear, white blossom, and hints of lemon rind.
Palate: Medium-bodied with a creamy, textured mouthfeel from lees aging, balanced by high acidity and mineral, slightly balsamic undertones.
Finish: Long, crisp, and slightly nutty, with notes of yogurt or fine lees.
Varietal & Vineyard: Made primarily from the rare native grape Maturana Blanca, grown at 800 meters, which contributes to its aromatic intensity and natural freshness.
Pairing & Service
Best served between 8-10°C, this wine pairs well with baked fish, seafood, roasted white meats, and creamy rice dishes.
Baigorri Blanco Fermentado en Barrica 2018
Baigorri Blanco Fermentado en Barrica 2018 is an elegant, barrel-fermented white Rioja crafted primarily from old-vine Viura. It opens with aromas of ripe pear, white peach, and citrus zest layered with subtle notes of toasted oak, vanilla, and almond. On the palate, it’s rich yet balanced, showing creamy texture, vibrant acidity, and a lingering mineral finish. This vintage captures both freshness and depth — a fine example of modern white Rioja with character and finesse.
Herència Altés La Serra Blanc 2021
A classy, textured organic Spanish white produced from garnacha blanca in Terra Alta, a small region not far from Barcelona, made by Nuria Altes, who comes from a long line of winemakers in the region. The wine spends eight months in a combination of large Austrian oak vats and amphora, with five months of battonage, which adds to the creamy, waxy texture. Slightly oxidative in style, with dried apricots, lemon peel, and nutty freshness with plenty of concentration, balanced acidity and length. A very smart and elegant wine.
Valenciso Rioja Blanco 2023
Valenciso Rioja Blanco 2023
Complex aromas combining floral characters with preserved lemon and gently smoky notes. The palate is intense and broad with nuts, stone fruit, minerality and balancing citrus acidity on the finish. Will continue to develop in the bottle.
A white wine that will benefit from decanting. Serve with hake, saffron and mustard mash.
95 pts – Tim Atkin MW Rioja Special Report 2024
Very appealingly priced given its quality and its ability to age in bottle, the latest release of the Valenciso Blanco is one of the best yet. Pairing Viura with 30% Garnacha Blanca, with ageing in Caucasian oak, this is appealingly fresh and understated, showing layers of pear, citrus peel, jasmine and honeysuckle and a hint of beeswax. 2024-30
Ca N’Estruc Idoia Blanc 2020
