The Spanish wine region Rioja is known for red wine (around 90% if wine produced is red ), but a fascinating wine on the rise is old-style white Rioja.  The grape varietal used is viura (also known as macabeo), and the tradition is to make the wine and age the wine in oak for years.  The region of Rioja is located in the remote interior of northern Spain.  The area is shielded by mountain ridges from the influences of the Atlantic ocean, and rests on a large plateau at an elevation of more than 1,500 feet. White Rioja is a dry wine with a honey gold color, good acidity, and is full-bodied.  The wine tastes of roasted hazelnuts, chamomile, tangy citrus, butter, and salt.  In addition, this white wine can age in bottle for well over a decade when under cellar conditions.  In fact, the wine in this picture is from the 1996 vintage (tasted March 2020).

The two well known producers of white Rioja are R. López de Heredia (pictured) and Marqués de Murietta. The wine I opened on the stone patio on this beautiful Spring day is the 1996 R. Lopéz de Heredia Viña Tondonia Gran Reserva and has a drinking window estimated up to 2030.  Winemaker notes: “The White Tondonia Gran Reserva is golden in color with perfumed, persistent and complex aromas. Aged 10 years, being racked twice per year, this wine is round and very smooth on the palate. This wine pairs well with all kinds of fish either boiled or grilled, preferably with sauce. All types of rice, including risotto-style. All different kinds of egg dishes. White meats such as chicken, turkey and pork. All pastas and cheeses. Blend: 90% Viura, 10% Malvasia.”

Interested?  Ask your local wine store (though this is a rare find in Macon).  Also, call us today about how we can help you host a white Rioja wine tasting, and we’ll bring it to you and your guests.