Tempranillo Blanco. Yes, that’s right. It’s a white grape.
Tempranillo Blanco to me is one of the most intriguing grapes in modern Spanish viticulture. Discovered in Rioja as a natural mutation of red Tempranillo, this variety appeared in a vineyard where a single vine produced white grapes instead of red. Recognizing its potential, growers carefully propagated the vine, and today it remains a rare and uniquely Riojan expression — genetically linked to Spain’s most famous red grape, yet producing vibrant, characterful white wines.
Nivarius has become one of the leading champions of this distinctive variety. Grown at high elevations in the cooler zones of Rioja, the 2024 vintage captures both freshness and depth. The wine shows bright citrus and orchard fruit aromas layered with subtle floral tones, while the palate offers a beautiful balance of texture and energy. There is a gentle roundness that hints at the grape’s noble heritage, yet it finishes with crisp definition and mineral lift.
Tempranillo Blanco has an intriguing interplay between familiarity and surprise. It carries a quiet structural presence that sets it apart from more straightforward white varieties, giving the wine both immediate appeal and the ability to shine at the table. The 2024 Nivarius is a perfect conversation piece for curious wine lovers and a standout option for anyone seeking something distinctive from a classic region. It pairs beautifully with seafood, roasted vegetables, poultry, and creamy rice dishes, and is equally enjoyable on its own as an elegant aperitif.
Quantities of Tempranillo Blanco remain limited by nature, and wines of this quality and character are not often encountered. I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to offer something truly original from Rioja.
91 Points, James Suckling
This has a nervy lifted nose of limes, salt and green apples. The palate is medium- to full-bodied, crisp and sharp in an elegant way.