Monopole Clásico 2021

Monopole is a historic barrel-aged white Rioja from CVNE, the Haro house founded in 1879, with the label first registered in 1915. It is built on Viura with a small proportion of Palomino, drawn from vineyards across Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa on clay and limestone soils that give freshness and structure. The 2021 came from a cooler growing season, which held back sugar ripeness and preserved acidity, adding definition and length to the wine. After fermentation it spends eight months in used French oak barrels. Because the barrels are already seasoned they impart little raw wood flavour, working instead as a slow source of oxygen that softens the texture and builds complexity, while contact with the lees lends a savoury, faintly nutty depth. The colour is bright straw-gold. The nose shows citrus peel, green apple and beeswax over toasted almond, hazelnut and a light vanilla note, with a dried-herb lift. The palate is dry and textured, the fresh acidity carrying the fruit to a long, savoury finish. Serve at 10 to 12 degrees. It suits white fish, roast poultry and hard cheese.