Villota Rioja Blanco 2020
(Rioja, Spain) - [VM 94] [JS 92] [WE 90]

About the Winery:
Villota is owned, operated, and founded by Carmen Pérez-Garrigues and her father Ricardo Pérez- Villota, the fourth and third generations of the Pérez-Villota family, a line of growers that have been rooted to the San Rafael estate in Laserna, Laguardia on a meander of the Ebro River since 1930. In 1973, the Villota family cofounded Viñedos del Contino, Rioja's first single estate winery with CVNE. The partnership lasted until 2013, when the Villota family broke off, taking the historic family estate with them, and founded their own winery under the Villota brand on this historic plot of land.

About this Wine:
Composition: 85% Viura, 11% White Garnacha, 2%Malvasía ,2% White Tempranillo

Winemaking: After the entry of the grapes in small boxes, destemming and pressing seek to preserve the aromatic delicacy. The must ferments in small new stainless-steel tanks and is then aged for 6 months in French oak barrels. (225 and 500 liters), in contact with the lees and with weekly batonnage

Tasting notes: Straw yellow color with greenish reflections, crystalline. Intense nose with floral and spicy character; suggestive aromatic sensation. Fat and acidity in the mouth that give length. Very balanced wine. Well integrated wood. Sensations of liveliness and elegance. Persistence, expressiveness.

Alcohol: 14% Vol.

Ratings & Reviews

94 Points - Vinous Media:
“The 2020 Blanco, composed of 94% Viura, 4% Garnacha Blanca, 1% Malvasía and 1% Tempranillo Blanco, comes from Laserna in Laguardia, Rioja Alavesa, with 20% aged for up to eight months in barrel. Exhibiting a yellow color with a golden sheen, it presents green apple and fennel aromas, accompanied by hints of rose and jasmine. Indulgent and creamy on the palate, the faintly chalky texture is balanced by the velvety mouthfeel. – Joaquin Hidalgo (December 2023)

92 Points - James Suckling:
“A nutty, full-bodied white with notes of salted almonds, baked apples, brown butter, praline and cloves. Buttery and tasty, with bright acidity too. Just the right amount of oak opulence. Drink now. – James Suckling (September 2023)

90 Points – Wine Enthusiast:
This wine has aromas of pineapple and lemon zest, with a touch of nutmeg. It feels good in the mouth, offering flavors of toasted pineapple, peach, rose petal and cocoa butter. The bright clementine finish also has a hint of flowers. – Mike DeSimone (May 2023)