Faustino V Blanco 2024

Faustino V Blanco is a young white from D.O.Ca. Rioja, made by the long established Faustino winery from Viura and Chardonnay. The grapes are estate grown across more than 650 hectares between Laguardia and Oyón, in the heart of Rioja Alavesa, where limestone and clay soils and a moderating climate suit fresh white styles. Viura is the traditional Rioja white grape, giving citrus, orchard fruit and a floral lift, while Chardonnay adds a little breadth and body. This is deliberately an unoaked wine, made and bottled young to keep the fruit primary and the palate bright; without any barrel ageing the emphasis stays on freshness, so the winemaking is kept clean and reductive to protect the aromatics. The colour is pale straw yellow. The nose is fresh and open, showing apricot, peach and apple with delicate white flowers and a subtle herbal note that adds vivacity. The palate is dry and crisp, with lemon and orchard fruit carried by lively acidity to a clean, easy finish. Serve well chilled at 8 to 10 degrees.