Viura 2018, Abel Mendoza, Spain

A rich Viura White Rioja at the hands of A couple of the most passionate winemakers in Rioja, Abel and Maite Mendoza. Lying in the shadow of the Sierra Cantabria, Abel has vineyards in the finest parts of Rioja Alavesa, and a trip in the back of his jeep to visit little plots here and there is a real experience. 

The 2018 Viura comes from an average of 40-year-old vines, is fermented in French oak barrels with neutral yeasts and matured for some five months in barrique with the fine lees that were periodically stirred. It manages to be both luxurious, with some tropical hints, but also has a real purity. We think it is better with a meal than on its own, and will age gracefully.