A Rioja Blanco with freshness, character, and serious vineyard pedigree.
Produced by the Sáenz de Samaniego family at Bodegas Ostatu in Samaniego, Rioja Alavesa, this vibrant white is a blend of 85% Viura and 15% Malvasía, sourced from old vines ranging from 30 to 80 years of age. The grapes come from high-altitude vineyards in Samaniego, Laguardia, Elciego, and Leza, planted between 420 and 680 meters above sea level on poor clay-limestone soils with layers of white rock. If you’re thinking Muga or Lopez di Heredia with years in oak, this is not that style of Rioja Blanco. The result is a wine that delivers far more personality than its price point suggests.
In the glass: pale yellow with bright greenish hues. The nose is expressive and fresh, offering green apple, pear, citrus, white flowers, lavender, and subtle rosemary. On the palate, the wine is beautifully balanced. It is fresh and lively, yet with a silky, slightly rounded texture that gives it more weight and substance than a simple everyday white. The finish brings back citrus and white-fruit flavors, with a juicy impression of ripe apricot.
The 2025 vintage was hand harvested and received an “Excellent” provisional vintage rating from the estate. Fermentation takes place with the lees in stainless-steel tanks for 24 days at 15–16°C, followed by cold stabilization. The wine is then kept in tank until bottling, preserving its freshness and vibrant fruit profile.
Most importantly, this is a wine that is easy to sell and even easier to drink. It has enough freshness to appeal to Sauvignon Blanc and Albariño drinkers, enough texture to satisfy Chardonnay fans, and enough regional character to make it stand out on a Spanish wine list.
Pour it with seafood, shellfish, grilled fish, salads, fresh cheeses, tapas, or simply as an aperitif. Its combination of bright acidity and subtle texture makes it remarkably versatile at the table.
A fresh, expressive, old-vine white from one of Rioja’s most interesting corners—and a great opportunity to show you a side of Rioja you may not know yet.
