2023 Izadi Rioja Blanco `Selección`

Rioja is Spain's fine wine capital, a region characterised by rich tradition and innovation for over a century and a half.  Its high-altitude, clay/limestone soils and continental climate provide perfect conditions for growing fine wine.  White Rioja, or rather Rioja Blanco, is made entirely with white grapes, the most important of which is Viura.  Only 10% of wine from Rioja is white.

Izadi, which means ‘nature’ in the Basque language, is owned and run by Lalo Antón and his family.  The winery sits in the small village of Villabuena in Rioja Alavesa, the highest part of the region, at 400-600 metres above sea level.  As well as the winery, the family also run the Michelin-starred restaurant, Zaldiaran, in nearby Vitoria.  The Izadi Rioja Blanco `Selección` was the first white wine in Rioja to be produced using all six indigenous grape varieties and is a blend of Viura, Garnacha Blanca, Maturana Blanca, Tempranillo Blanco, Malvasía and Turruntés.  Lemon yellow in colour with bright, green tones. Succulent white and tropical fruit, citrus, floral notes, are complemented by deep, toasty and spicy aromas. On the palate, this wine is refreshing and well structured, with citrus and white fruit notes dominating, followed by a lightly toasted finish.