Hacienda López de Haro Reserva Blanco 2018

Hacienda López de Haro Reserva Blanco is part of the revival of traditional long-aged white Rioja, a style that faded in the 1980s and 1990s and is returning with wines built for the cellar. It is a blend led by Viura with Malvasía, Tempranillo Blanco, Garnacha Blanca and Torrontés, from D.O.Ca. Rioja. Ageing is the making of it: 18 months in Eastern European oak followed by at least three years in bottle. That long oak ageing works through slow, steady oxygen exchange, which develops the fruit into dried and nutty aromas and builds a rounded, savoury texture, while the extended bottle time integrates everything and adds tertiary complexity. The colour is a mature, bright golden with lively grey-tinged highlights on the rim. The nose is developed and medium to high in intensity, with honey, dried apricot and toasted nuts over beeswax and a note of vanilla. The palate is full and textured, with mature orchard and dried fruit, a fine seam of acidity that keeps it lively, and a long, nutty, savoury finish. Serve at around 11 to 12 degrees in a white wine glass. It suits roast poultry, richer fish and nutty cheeses.