Olivier Riviere Le Blanc 2023

Olivier Riviere trained in Bordeaux and Burgundy, including a spell at Domaine Leroy, before settling in Rioja, and this white reflects that Burgundian influence. It is built on Viura, around 85 per cent of the blend, with Garnacha Blanca and Malvasía, grown at Labastida on clay and limestone soils. The clay holds moisture through the dry summer while the underlying limestone gives good drainage and lends the wine its firm line of acidity and mineral cut. After pressing, the wine is aged for ten months in large 500-litre French oak barrels. The larger format limits the ratio of wood to wine, so oxygen enters slowly through the staves and softens the texture without imposing heavy oak flavour, while extended contact with the lees builds a fuller, rounder mid-palate. The colour is bright straw-gold. The nose shows ripe white peach, citrus peel, pear and beeswax with a light toasted almond note from the barrel. The palate is broad and textured, the fruit balanced by fresh acidity and a long, faintly nutty finish. Serve at 10 to 12 degrees. It suits roast chicken, hake and mild hard cheese.