La Pequeñita Malvasía Tinajas 2018

Alonso and Pedrajo work in Rioja, and La Pequeñita is their small production Malvasía, a traditional Rioja white grape now grown only in modest quantity. What sets this wine apart is the vessel. Rather than the region's familiar oak, it is aged in clay tinajas, the old earthenware amphorae used across Spain long before barrels arrived. Clay is porous, so the wine takes on a slow gentle oxygenation similar to a barrel but without any wood flavour, which keeps the focus on the grape and gives a subtle nutty, savoury development. Malvasía brings weight and an aromatic, slightly herbal character, and the amphora ageing rounds the texture while preserving freshness. The colour is deep gold. The nose is savoury and distinctive, with apricot, orange peel, almond and dried herbs over a light honeyed note. The palate is dry and textured, broad but carried by good acidity, finishing long with a saline nutty edge. Serve at 11 to 13 degrees in a full white glass.