Sonsierra Viura Fermentado en Barrica 2025

Bodegas Sonsierra makes this barrel fermented Viura in D.O.Ca. Rioja, at San Vicente de la Sonsierra on the cooler northern bank of the Ebro. The winery began in 1962 as a growers' cooperative and farms a large holding of estate vines. This is white Rioja in the traditional mould, fermented in barrel rather than tank so that the wood and the wine bind slowly and the oak character stays subtle. It then rests three months on its lees in the same barrels, the spent yeast adding a soft, creamy weight as it breaks down. At twelve per cent alcohol the wine stays fresh and balanced under the oak. It is golden in the glass, with pear, apple, a light vanilla and a toasted, faintly nutty note from the barrel. The palate is smooth and rounded, the orchard fruit and gentle oak spice carried by clean acidity to a long finish. This is a versatile white Rioja built for food. Serve it at 10 to 12 degrees. It suits roast chicken, grilled white fish, pork and hard nutty cheeses.