Amaren Blanco Fermentado en Barrica 2023

Bodegas Amaren was founded in 1995 by Juan Luis Cañas in Villabuena, Álava, in the heart of Rioja Alavesa. This white is a blend of Viura at 85 per cent and Malvasía at 15 per cent, from vines around 50 years old grown on poor soils. The old vines are small and low yielding, which favours even ripening and a strong concentration of aroma in the fruit. The must is fermented in new French oak and the wine is aged 10 months in barrel. Barrel fermentation and extended oak ageing are the traditional route for fine white Rioja, building texture and a nutty, honeyed complexity through slow oxygen exchange, while Malvasía adds aromatic lift to the fuller-bodied Viura. At 14 per cent the wine has real weight on the palate. The colour is bright gold. The nose shows ripe pear and citrus peel over honey, vanilla, toasted bread and beeswax. The palate is full and creamy, held in balance by fresh acidity and closing on a long, savoury, almond-tinged finish. Serve at 11 to 13 degrees in a large glass. It suits richer fish and white meats.