Viñas de Gaín Blanco 2019

Viñas de Gaín Blanco is an organic white from Artadi, based in Laguardia in Rioja Alavesa, made entirely from Viura. The estate works its plots as smallholdings and farms without chemical treatments, which suits a variety that responds to site and to careful handling in the cellar. The wine is barrel fermented, so the yeast ferment and the early lees contact happen in oak rather than steel, building texture and a subtle savoury depth without a strong wood character. It is then held for 24 months in tank before bottling, a long élevage that lets the wine settle and integrate, softening its edges while keeping the fruit intact. Viura from these older Rioja vines gives a wine of restraint rather than exuberance. The colour is bright, and the nose leans towards waxy apple, beeswax and a little honey over lemon and pear. The palate is vibrant and mineral, with a fine grip and a long, dry finish that stays taut rather than broad. Serve at 10 to 12 degrees in a full white wine glass. It pairs well with roast chicken, grilled white fish, pork and hard nutty cheeses.