Remírez de Ganuza
Rioja Blanco Reserva 2018
Rioja
In assessing the potential of their land and winemaking capabilities, the team at Remírez de Ganuza wisely decided to give special attention to their Viura and Malvasia plantings in dedicated bottlings. Previously used to compliment their reds via the skins, the white wines are given a Burgundian level of attention by their selective vineyard picking and winemaking. Made mostly from Viura (80%), the flagship white wine is aged on the lees in new French oak for 8 months with regular batonnage to increase aromatics and texture.
Vineyard
With six vineyards situated in the foothills of the Cantabrian mountain range, Remírez de Ganuza blends some of the best terroirs from Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Alta. The combination of high elevation, clay/limestone soils, increased oceanic influence, and 50 year old average vines produces low-yielding vines with exceptional quality fruit.
Winemaking
Grapes are manually harvested and transported in 12kg boxes, where they reside in thermo-regulated cooling chambers for 24 hours. After sorting, only free run juice is used. The wine ages for 10 months in 100% new French oak, with battonage performed by rotating the barrels.
Vintage
Despite a cool and wet growing season, 2018 proved rewarding for growers in Rioja both in quality and quantity. The wines are vibrant and aromatically intense, with generally longer hang-times resulting in high phenolic complexity.
Tasting Note
Deeply textural, showing tension in the body and contrast in the palate. Ripe orchard fruit and refreshing minerality mingle together, giving way to a persistent yet silky finish.
Color
White
Grape Varieties
Macabeo
Appellation
Rioja
Alcohol
13.5%
Suggested Retail Price
$45
