R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Gravonia Crianza Blanco 2017 750mL

SPAIN : RIOJA : RIOJA ALTA

Viura

MED-BODIED, CITRUS PEEL, BEESWAX, ALMOND, DRIED APRICOT, NEUTRAL OAK

One hundred percent Viura off 93-year-old vines in Viña Zaconia, fermented in the bodega's centenarian oak vats on native yeast, then four years in used American oak barrels racked by hand twice a year.

Four years in wood clears the legal bar for Gran Reserva. The family keeps the label at Crianza so the range has an entry point, which is the only reason a wine with this much time on it costs what it does.

2017 was the frost year in Rioja and the earliest harvest on record. This fruit came in on 14 September at 12.5% alcohol and 7 g/L acidity, which is why a wine this developed still tastes taut.

PAIRINGS :