Alegre Valgañón Blanco 2024

Alegre Valgañon Blanco is a white Rioja from the small Alegre Valgañon estate, based in the village of Valgañon in the cooler, higher western reaches of Rioja Alta. It blends three white grapes: Garnacha Blanca for body and stone fruit, the newer Tempranillo Blanco for citrus and freshness, and Viura, the classic Rioja white, for structure and acidity. Each variety is vinified and aged separately for ten months in its own containers before blending, which lets the winemaker keep the distinct character of each grape and assemble the final wine for balance rather than fermenting them together. The high-altitude vineyards give cool nights and a wide day-to-night temperature swing, which slows ripening and locks in the acidity that defines the style. The colour is pale, and the nose leads with green apple, pear and white peach over white flowers, with a fine almond note from the extended lees ageing. The palate is dry, fresh and layered, with bright acidity and a clean, mineral finish. This is a modern, precise white Rioja made for the table. Serve at 9 to 11 degrees. It suits white fish, shellfish, salads and roast chicken.