Predicador Blanco 2023

Predicador Blanco is the white Rioja from Bodega Contador, the acclaimed estate founded by Benjamín Romeo in San Vicente de la Sonsierra. It blends White Grenache at forty-two percent with Viura at thirty-three and Malvasía at twenty-five, from vineyards in the towns of San Vicente de la Sonsierra and Briones, in the cooler, higher Rioja Alta. The estate farms to biodynamic guidelines, treating the soils only with organic matter composted from its own sheep manure, which builds soil life and keeps yields low and balanced. The three varieties bring complementary parts: Grenache the weight and stone fruit, Viura the freshness and structure, Malvasía the aromatics. The wine is fermented and aged in oak barrels, where lees contact and slow barrel oxygen exchange build a broad, waxy texture and a savoury depth while integrating the wood. The colour is bright gold. The nose shows ripe pear and apricot over honey, almond and a light vanilla lift from the oak, with white flowers behind. The palate is full and textured, its citrus-peel acidity keeping the rich centre fresh into a long, nutty finish. Serve at 10 to 12 degrees.