Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of an hour. The 2012 Rosado pours pink/salmon color with medium viscosity and no signs of sediment or particles. On the nose, the wine is developing with Maraschino cherry, dried apricot, coconut, dill, vanilla, and walnut. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium- tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. Brilliant, soulful stuff. My first experience with the 2012 vintage. I hope there are many more to come. Drink now with patience (maybe even a decant) and through 2037. — 3 months ago
Valserrano – Viura – 2023
Rioja Alavesa DOCa – Spain 🇪🇸
Overview
A barrel-fermented white made from 100% Viura, showcasing the bright, zesty character of Rioja Alavesa with a subtle touch of oak for texture and lift, without weighing it down.
Aromas & Flavors
Lemon zest, green apple, white peach, and citrus blossom with hints of saline minerality and light vanilla. Fresh, vibrant, and expressive.
Mouthfeel
Crisp acidity, medium body, and a lively, zesty profile. Clean, balanced, and enticing with a refreshing finish that keeps you coming back.
Food Pairings
Seafood, grilled octopus, oysters, ceviche, or manchego cheese. Also excellent with sushi or Mediterranean salads.
Verdict
A modern, energetic take on Viura, bright, balanced, and quietly elegant. Perfect for fans of zesty whites with just enough structure to feel serious.
Did You Know?
Viura (a.k.a. Macabeo) is the backbone of white Rioja, and barrel fermentation, rather than just barrel aging, adds complexity and finesse while preserving freshness. — 5 months ago
Salted orange peel. Butterscotch. Toasted nuts. Amaze balls. — 21 days ago
Coconut, Banana, White flowers on the nose. (With air, lots of herbs),A faint touch of the mineral quality that follows through on the finish of the palate. Said palate is less floral and more linear, mineral, especially after some airing in the glass. The bitterness that feels mineral is a nice contrast to perceived fruit, as it adds an interesting aftertaste. Viura, Grenache Blanc, and Tempranillo Blanco. Interesting blend.
I’ve had Tempranillo Blanco as a standalone, but only as of ‘25,in San Sebastián where in one Pintxo bar, it worked quite well with parts of their menu.
This winery is a wife & husband team who, from what I gather, hope to bring some “traditional” Riojan winemaking style to modern production.
I’m looking forward to trying their offerings beyond entry level.
Thanks @Rare Wine Co. — 2 months ago
Great wine combining southern burgundy richness, use of luxurious oak, great acidity and low alc levels. Wonder how this ages.. Tx @Jan A for pointing this one out!. — 5 months ago
Big winner at dinner tonight — 2 months ago
Funky like The Free Nationals — 5 months ago
Ray Vanderhoff
100% Viura white Rioja. Bright light yellow color. Aromas of orchard fruit, white flowers and citrus. Flavors of green apple and pear fruit, lemon zest, pineapple and a hint of banana peel. Touch of both salinity and minerality on the medium (and slightly creamy) finish. Low acidity and a bit flabby. Medium bodied. Fresh and clean with a smooth texture. May improve with some additional bottle age. — 18 days ago