Remírez de Ganuza Olagar Gran Reserva Blanco 2019

Bodegas Remírez de Ganuza works in Samaniego, in the Rioja Alavesa, from old vineyards its founder Fernando Remírez de Ganuza selected plot by plot through the 1970s and 1980s. This white Gran Reserva blends Viura with Malvasía and Garnacha Blanca, grapes suited to long ageing. It spends twelve months in French oak, and the Gran Reserva classification requires extended maturing in barrel and bottle before release, so the 2019 arrives already developed. Time in French oak allows a slow oxygen exchange through the wood that builds a nutty, honeyed complexity, while the extended lees contact and bottle age soften the acidity and knit the components together. The continental climate of Rioja Alavesa, with cold nights and limestone-influenced soils, keeps a firm acid backbone under the richness. The wine is deep yellow. The nose shows honey and beeswax, roasted nuts and white peach over toast and dried herbs. The palate is broad, dry and layered, with a long, savoury finish carried by that retained acidity. Serve at 11 to 13 degrees in a large white wine glass, and give it a short time open to unfold. It suits richer fish and white meats.