Finca Allende Blanco 2021

Finca Allende is the Rioja estate of Miguel Ángel de Gregorio, one of Spain's most respected winemakers and an early champion of single estate wines from local grapes. This white blends Viura with a portion of Malvasía, both grown at the property in Briones. The vineyards sit on clay and limestone soils under Rioja's moderate continental climate, which ripens the fruit slowly and keeps the balance between weight and acidity. The wine is fermented and aged fourteen months in French oak, a long élevage that builds structure and a toasty, nutty complexity through the slow exchange of oxygen and contact with the wood and lees. That extended barrel ageing is the traditional signature of fine white Rioja. The colour is deep golden yellow. The nose is rich and layered, with honey, white peach and beeswax over toasted bread, almond and a measured vanilla note from the oak. The palate is full and textured yet balanced, the ripe fruit and creamy oak framed by fresh acidity and a long, savoury, nutty finish. Serve at around 11 to 13 degrees in a full white glass.