Laventura Viura 2018, MacRobert & Canals, Spain

White wines make up a tiny portion of Rioja's production. But they can be stunning value when you compare them to, say, Burgundy. Especially when they are made from ageworthy Viura, or the traditional Viura/Maccabeo combo. 

This wine is 100% Viura, with grapes from vineyards with limestone soils in Villabuena (Rioja Alavesa), located at an altitude of over 500 metres at the foot of the dramatic Sierra de Cantabria mountains. They are exposed to the northern breeze and the gentle heat of the midday sun, which encourage the slow ripening of the grapes and therefore maintain all the freshness in the wine.

It's aged in large, old barrels which helps add texture and complexity - but not impart additional oaky flavour. It's lovely now (think along the lines of a creamy Chablis), but can be kept for a few years where it'll fill out a bit.