Viña Real Blanco Fermentado Barrica 2024

Viña Real is a Rioja estate belonging to CVNE, based in Laguardia in the cool, high Rioja Alavesa in northern Spain. The brand dates to the 1920s and was among the pioneers of barrel-aged Rioja whites. This wine is made from Viura, the region's main white grape, grown on limestone-influenced soils in the Alavesa, where altitude and cooler temperatures preserve acidity and give a firm backbone. It is fermented in barrel and aged for six months in American oak. Fermenting in wood rather than steel binds the oak more closely to the fruit and, together with lees contact during ageing, builds a rounder, creamier texture; American oak in particular contributes vanilla, coconut and a toasted character. The wine is bright straw yellow. The nose combines green apple and pear with vanilla, toasted bread and a nutty, almond edge. The palate is broad and smooth, the ripe fruit framed by oak and fresh acidity, closing on a creamy, lightly toasty finish. Serve at 11 to 13 degrees in a white wine glass. It suits roast chicken, pork and richer fish dishes.