Viña Pomal Blanco 2025

Viña Pomal Blanco comes from Bodegas Bilbaínas in the D.O.Ca. Rioja, a region better known for its reds but with a long history of serious barrel-aged whites. The wine is built on Viura, the backbone grape of white Rioja, with Malvasía adding perfume and body, and the fruit is grown at the estate's own Finca Pomal. This is a barrel-fermented white: the juice ferments in new French oak rather than tank, which binds the oak into the wine from the start and gives a more integrated, seamless texture than oak added later. It then spends four months on its lees in barrel, where regular contact with the spent yeast releases mannoproteins that broaden the mid palate and add a savoury depth, while the wood contributes a toasty, lightly spiced frame. The colour is bright gold. The nose shows citrus peel, chamomile and fennel wrapped in a gentle toasted note. The palate is fresh yet textured, with orchard fruit, a creamy weight from the lees and a long finish. Serve at 11 to 13 degrees in a white wine glass.