FINCA MANZANOS BLANCO VINAS VIEJAS RIOJA

Tasting notes:

Upbeat aromas of sweet peach, citrus and tropical fruits carry through to the palate, which is accompanied by creamy notes and spices from time in oak. This is an energetic white Rioja, a blend of Viura and Tempranillo with generous weight that is perfectly balanced by bright acidity.  

About the wine:

300 ha of vineyards are planted on clay-limestone soil at an average height of 400m above sea level. Meticulous attention to detail in the vineyards, winemaker Borja Ripa knows the secret to great wine is quality fruit. He devotes a lot of time to selecting the grapes, ensuring precision and balance in his wines by picking at the optimum point. Grapes are all hand-picked in early October.

Bodegas Manzanos has invested in cutting edge technology to ensure quality is preserved in all steps of the winemaking process. Fermentation is carried out in stainless steel vats at a controlled temperature and matured on the lees in oak barrel.  Oak aged for 4 Months in French and American oak barrels, none of which are new oak.  

About the producer:

On the border between Rioja and Navarra, Victor Manzanos carries on the work of the four generations before him. Adding in significant amounts of ambition and energy, he is at the forefront of the new Rioja - championing a modern interpretation of its varieties through his wines. As a grower, Victor is keen to prove that Rioja Baja has its own distinct character and should not be judged as inferior to Rioja Alta or Alavesa - just different. With over 250ha of owned vineyards at his disposal, including what he claims to be the oldest Graciano vines in the world, Victor and the team at Manzanos are fortunately placed to put both the sub-region and the name Manzanos firmly on the map of the most important producers in Rioja.

Food match:

Fresh grilled fish and shellfish, garlic prawns or grilled squid.