2023 Bodegas Exopto Rioja Horizonte de Exopto Blanco, Rioja

This exceptional, rocky white Rioja is drawn from two plots of old vines in the Periquita and San Cristobel vineyards of Ábalos, Rioja Alta. A blend of mostly Viura with some 10% Garnacha Blanca and the remaining 5% split between Malvasía Riojana, Jaén Blanca and Torrontés, the grapes were picked predominantly from vines co-planted in Exopto’s Tempranillo parcels.After a wild ferment, the wine is aged on lees in Russian, steam-bent, untoasted oak barrels,a fine-grained Caucasian wood that allows for better balance between fruit and oak,for nine months. The result is a super pretty, aromatic wine with crushed citrus and savoury notes and a juicy, silky yet tangy, vibrant palate (racy yet with good texture thanks to the low yields from the ancient vines). The finish is salty, savoury and refreshing.