Viuda Negra Las Levantadas 2024

Viuda Negra Las Levantadas is a white Rioja from Javier San Pedro Ortega, one of the region's most promising younger winemakers, working under his own name. It blends Malvasía, Tempranillo Blanco and Viura, three white varieties permitted in D.O.Ca. Rioja: Viura for freshness and structure, Tempranillo Blanco for fruit and acidity, and Malvasía for aromatic lift. Rioja's continental climate, tempered by Atlantic and Mediterranean influences, gives ripe fruit while holding acidity on cooler sites. The wine is aged four months on its lees with no oak. Lees contact adds a fine savoury texture and a little weight through the slow release of yeast compounds, while the absence of barrel keeps the fruit fresh and the style clean. Farming follows a respectful, sustainable approach, and the wine is vegan. The colour is pale and bright. The nose is fresh and fruit-led, with juicy pear and green apple, citrus peel and white flowers, and a hint of white peach. The palate is medium bodied and crisp, the lees giving a light creaminess against firm acidity, closing dry and clean. Serve well chilled at 9 to 11 degrees with white fish, seafood and lighter poultry.