El Inquilino Viura 2023

El Inquilino is a single-variety Viura from Proyecto Zorzal in D.O.Ca. Rioja. Viura, known as Macabeo in Catalonia, is the mainstay white grape of Rioja, valued for its clean citrus and orchard fruit and its firm acidity. This wine is aged for four months in 500-litre French oak barrels, a deliberately large format: the higher wine-to-wood ratio means far less oak flavour and slower oxygen exchange than a standard 225-litre barrique, so the barrel adds texture and a light nutty edge while leaving the fruit fresh and the wine youthful. The short time in wood keeps the emphasis on the grape rather than the cellar. The colour is pale, and the nose shows green apple, pear and lemon over white flowers, with a subtle almond and fresh dough note picked up from the lees and the oak. On the palate it is dry and lively, with crisp acidity carrying citrus and orchard fruit to a clean, mineral finish. This is a modern, fresh style of white Rioja rather than the old oxidative kind. Serve at 9 to 11 degrees. It suits white fish, shellfish, roast chicken and salads.