Nothing about the way this wine is made explains its depth of flavor and character. It kind of ticks me off that I can't figure out why it tastes like a traditional, barrel-aged White Rioja, a la Lopez de Heredia Vina Gravonia, when it sees zero oak and very little aging.
All I know is that I absolutely love this Viura and Malvasia blend that is complex, savory, and layered in every way. The fact that it sees no oak and little aging, despite the fact that it throws some super cool oxidative notes, remains a mystery to me.
This is not going to be everyone's "glass of wine," but for some, you're going to have a bottle and email me immediately about getting more. I bought my distributor's last 48 bottles, and for my white wine adventurers out there, get on it!
2023 Luberri Rioja Blanco 'Zuri'
Why should you buy it?
- Because it's the wine that continues to mystify your friendly wine monger. I love Vina Gravonia, and I also love savory whites from Jura and the Canary Islands. This wine scratches all of those itches, but it costs a lot less!
- It presents very noble and complex notes on the nose and palate. Golden colored, it smells of hazelnut, caramelized citrus, savory herb, white flowers, and peach. Full flavored and outrageously delicious to this palate, it finishes long and juicy.
- Produced from a blend of 80% Viura, the classic white grape of Rioja, and 20% Malvasia, it is raised entirely in stainless steel. Aged on the lees for two months with daily batonnage, the finished wine is delightfully cerebral.
I want a big glass of this along with a big bowl of Marcona almonds, but I also very much enjoy sipping on this one slowly, as the aromas and flavors grow and intensify with air, temperature, and agitation.
