Paco García El Yergo Tempranillo Blanco 2025

El Yergo is a Tempranillo Blanco from Bodegas Paco Garcia, run by Juan Bautista and Ana Fernandez in Murillo de Leza, in Rioja Oriental. Tempranillo Blanco is a natural white mutation of red Tempranillo, only recently authorised in Rioja, and it gives a fresh, aromatic white with good body. The vines sit in the warmer, drier eastern part of Rioja near the meeting of the Leza and Jubera rivers, conditions that ripen the fruit fully while the elevation and cool nights keep the acidity in balance. The wine is aged eight months in 225 litre French oak barrels and a further eight months on the lees in stainless steel. The barrel stage adds a gentle toast, spice and slow oxygen exchange, while the extended lees ageing releases mannoproteins that build a creamy, rounded texture without heavy oak. Expect a pale gold colour, a nose of white peach, pear and lemon with a light vanilla and honey note, and a rounded palate with a toasted, nutty finish carried by fresh acidity. Serve at 10 to 12 degrees in a white glass.