Viña Monty Blanco Viura Reserva 2018

Vina Monty Blanco is a barrel aged white Rioja from Bodegas Montecillo, one of the oldest houses in the region, working with Viura, the appellation's traditional white grape. Grown on the clay and limestone soils of the Ebro valley, Viura holds firm acidity and a neutral base that takes oak well, which is why Rioja built its reputation on long aged whites of this style. The 2018 spends eighteen months in barrel and a further twenty in bottle before release. Extended lees contact during barrel ageing releases mannoproteins that broaden the texture and soften the acidity, while slow oxygen exchange through the oak carries the fruit toward richer, nutty character. The wine is deep gold, with a nose of ripe pear, quince, vanilla and beeswax. The palate is broad and layered, showing toasted almond, honey and a lemon-edged freshness that keeps it lifted through a long saline finish. This is a white built for the table rather than the aperitif. Serve at 11 to 13 degrees in a full white glass.