Muriel Blanco 2025

Muriel is a Rioja winery founded in 1926 and based in Rioja Alavesa, in northern Spain. This white is made from Viura, the region's main white grape, also known as Macabeo, which has moved from a plain, early drinking role towards more serious, barrel aged wines. Muriel Blanco is fermented and aged in French oak barrels, on its lees, which is the key to its style. Viura has a fairly neutral base and moderate acidity, so it takes well to time in wood: barrel fermentation ties the oak and fruit together from the start, while the lees release mannoproteins that build texture and the slow oxygen exchange through the barrel adds nutty, waxy complexity. The result is a fuller, rounder Rioja white rather than a fresh, unoaked one, while still keeping a clear fruit line. The 2025 pours bright pale gold. The nose leads with pear and green apple over vanilla, beeswax, hazelnut and toasted bread. The palate is rounded and dry, with orchard fruit, a creamy lees texture, a gentle oak frame and a savoury finish. Serve at 11 to 13 degrees in a white wine glass.