Viña Albina Semidulce Cosecha 2024

Viña Albina Semidulce Cosecha comes from Bodegas Riojanas in the historic town of Cenicero, in the heart of La Rioja. It blends Viura, at ninety per cent, with ten per cent Malvasía de Rioja, from vines more than forty two years old. The harvest is done by hand, with clusters carried to the winery in small trailers to keep the fruit intact. After a few hours of skin soaking, the grapes are pressed very gently and fermented slowly at low temperature, and the fermentation is stopped early to retain natural grape sugar, giving the wine its off dry, semi sweet balance. Rioja's continental climate and the cool nights around Cenicero preserve the acidity that keeps that residual sweetness fresh rather than heavy. The colour is pale straw. The nose blends lemon and citrus peel with green apple, white peach and a floral hint, and the palate is balanced and fresh, the light sweetness framed by a clean acidity that carries the finish. Serve well chilled at 8 to 10 degrees. It works as an aperitif and with spiced dishes or fruit desserts.