Bhilar Blanco 2024

Bhilar Blanco is an organic, barrel-aged white from Bodegas Bhilar in the D.O.Ca. Rioja, blending Garnacha Blanca and Viura. David Sampedro founded the estate in his home village of Elvillar, working native varieties from old vineyards and mapping the soils, exposures and altitudes of each plot to carry those differences into the wine. Rioja Alavesa's calcareous clay soils sit at altitude below the Sierra de Cantabria, and the cool nights preserve acidity and aromatic detail in whites that can otherwise turn broad in a warm year. The wine ages around six months in oak barrel, a measured passage that adds structure, light toast and a savoury depth through lees contact, while keeping the fruit clear. The colour is bright gold. The nose shows apple, pear and white peach, with beeswax and a nutty, faintly toasted note from the wood. The palate is medium to full bodied and textured, the orchard fruit balanced by Viura's firm acidity and closing dry with an almond edge. Serve at 11 degrees in a white glass.