Hacienda Lopez de Haro Blanco 2025

This white comes from López de Haro in San Vicente de la Sonsierra, in Rioja Alta. It is made from Viura with other white varieties and worked by hand using traditional methods. The vineyards sit on poor slopes where clay limestone, ferrous and alluvial soils meet, a mix that drains well and keeps vine vigour in check, concentrating flavour in a modest crop. The altitude and cool nights of Rioja Alta hold acidity and give the fruit definition. After fermentation the wine spends three months in French oak barrels. That short time in wood, with slow oxygen exchange through the staves and some lees contact, softens the texture and adds a light creamy, vanilla frame while leaving the fruit fresh and the wine unmistakably young. It is bright pale yellow. The nose leads with ripe stone fruit such as peach and apricot, alongside pear, green apple and a floral note. The palate is medium bodied and rounded, with citrus freshness and a gentle oak lift on the finish. Serve at 10 to 12 degrees. It suits white fish, shellfish and lighter poultry. This wine is vegan.