If you like Chardonnay, you should try White Rioja!

First of all, what is “White Rioja”?

White Rioja, or Rioja Blanco, is a hidden gem among Spanish wines. While the Rioja region is famed for its red wines, its whites are equally deserving of attention. From crisp, fresh styles to complex, oak-aged expressions, White Rioja can offer a diverse and delightful drinking experience. But what exactly makes this wine so exceptional? Let’s explore the key factors behind its appeal.

Styles of White Rioja

White Rioja wines range from fresh and fruity to rich and oak-aged, depending on the winemaking style:

1. Young & Fresh: These are crisp, citrusy wines with floral notes, usually made in stainless steel to retain freshness.

2. Oak-Aged: Some White Riojas are aged in oak barrels, similar to traditional Rioja reds, giving them creamy textures and flavours of vanilla, nuts, and honey.

3. Gran Reserva Whites: A rare and luxurious category, these wines are aged for long periods, developing complex flavours of dried fruit, spice, and oxidative notes.

A Unique Blend of Grapes

Unlike many other white wines that rely on a single varietal, White Rioja is typically made from a blend of native Spanish grapes. The primary grape is Viura (also known as Macabeo), which provides fresh citrus and floral notes. Winemakers can also incorporate Garnacha Blanca, Malvasía, Tempranillo Blanco, and Maturana Blanca, each contributing unique characteristics such as richness, spice, or tropical fruit flavours. This blending tradition allows for complexity and depth that set White Rioja apart.

Aging Potential and Complexity

One of White Rioja’s standout qualities is its ability to age gracefully. Unlike most white wines, which are best consumed young, many White Riojas develop beautifully over time. The region follows a classification system similar to its reds:

• Joven: Young, fresh, and fruit-forward with no oak aging.
• Crianza: Aged for at least one year, including time in oak, leading to greater texture and complexity.
• Reserva: Aged for a minimum of two years, developing deeper flavours of vanilla, nuts, and dried fruit.
• Gran Reserva: Rare and luxurious, aged for at least four years with at least six months in oak, showcasing extraordinary richness and elegance.

This aging process, especially in oak, gives White Rioja a unique character that balances freshness with depth, making it a versatile wine for various occasions. As a grape, Viura responds very well to oaking, in a similar way to Chardonnay. A winemaker can easily build up the Viura to be creamy, rich and mouthfilling by using similar techniques to Chardonnay winemaking (eg. aging in small oak barrels, stirring the lees in a process called “batonnage”, and fermenting to dryness).

Try Villota’s version of Rioja Blanco to see how just 6 months of delicate oaking in French barrels can create a luxurious and rich wine.

Versatility in Food Pairing

White Rioja’s range of styles makes it an excellent companion for a wide array of dishes. The crisp, unoaked versions pair beautifully with seafood, fresh salads, and light pasta dishes. Meanwhile, the oak-aged styles, like Villota, hold up well against richer foods like roast chicken, creamy risottos, or even grilled pork. The balance of acidity, fruit, and minerality ensures that White Rioja can elevate a meal, making it a favorite among sommeliers and wine lovers alike.

A Taste of Terroir

The Rioja region benefits from a mix of Atlantic, Mediterranean, and continental influences, creating ideal conditions for grape growing. The diverse soils—ranging from clay to limestone—add layers of minerality and structure to the wines. This terroir-driven approach ensures that every bottle of White Rioja reflects the land it comes from, making each sip a journey through Spain’s premier wine region.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why You Should Try White Rioja

If you haven’t yet explored White Rioja, now is the time. Whether you enjoy crisp and zesty whites or prefer richer, more textured wines, Rioja Blanco offers something for everyone. Its versatility, aging potential, and unique flavour profile make it one of Spain’s best-kept secrets. Next time you’re selecting a white wine, reach for a bottle of White Rioja—you won’t be disappointed.

Looking for the perfect White Rioja? Read more about our award-winning supplier, Vinos Villota. Their flagship Villota Blanco is stunning.

Check out The Daily Pour and discover your new favorite bottle today!