Ysios Blanco Fermentado en Barrica 2023

Ysios made this white from Viura in D.O.Ca. Rioja, in northern Spain, from a selection of old vine clusters grown in the cabezadas, the higher parts of the vineyard across plots in Laguardia, Elvillar, Páganos and neighbouring sites. These are poor, shallow soils that hold little water and keep yields low, so the fruit ripens slowly and carries concentration and a mineral edge. The grapes are picked by hand into small 10 kilo boxes to protect them. The wine spent 9 months ageing in clay amphorae rather than oak, so the porous clay allows a gentle exchange of oxygen and rounds the texture while adding no woodspice, letting the floral character of Viura come through cleanly. Time on the fine lees lends a soft, doughy weight and a saline lift. The colour is pale straw gold. The nose is white flowers, green apple and pear with honey and a fresh dough note, and the palate is dry, delicate and mineral, with citrus fruit, a light creamy texture and a long, saline finish. Serve at 10 to 12 degrees in a white wine glass.