Bodegas Roda Rioja Roda I Blanco 2022
(Rioja, Spain) - [JS 96] [WA 93] [DM 92]

Notes from the Winemaker:
A wine that emerges after years of tests and tastings, the first white wine from Bodegas RODA.

The orography of the Haro area is made up of small vineyard hills cultivated at all winds. The upper parts of the slopes, highly eroded by centuries of tillage, are very poor and do not adapt well to the Tempranillo variety. Formerly, these heads were used to plant white varieties, more vigorous and productive than Tempranillo. Small plots of vines planted in the most eroded soils. The soils are made up of alternating sedimentary rocks of sandstone and limestone marl, and on many occasions the sandstone is clearly visible. These Viuras live directly on the Tertiary soil. Along with them, other varieties were planted, such as Malvasía de Rioja, Garnacha Blanca and some that were destined for table consumption, such as Calagraño and Moscatel, which in this case are discarded. With a base of Viura and small proportions of Garnacha Blanca and Malvasía de Rioja, the must is macerated in French oak vats, and then fermented in the same vat and in bocoys, also made of French oak. It is in the latter that RODA I Blanco is aged for 18 months, to which are added another 18 in bottle before being in the market.

Tasting Notes:
Very full-bodied and incredibly fresh – a rare combination! The volume of the peach blends with the freshness of rhubarb, the slight bitterness of quince, and the citrus memory of grapefruit. The wine is dry but it has enough fat, it is not heavy due to the great freshness. It has a firm texture, reminiscent of the smoothness of a fresh Viura. On the finish, we find lingering aromas of freshness, lightness and a slight bitterness remain, lasting and lasting.

Ratings & Reviews

96 Points - James Suckling:
"Fine spices with a mineral edge to the roasted pineapple, yellow nectarines, pomelo and salted cream. Nice phenolics with full body, fresh yet creamy acidity and a long, textured finish. Viura, garnacha blanca and malvasia. One of the best out there. Drink now." (Jul 2025)

93 Points - Wine Advocate:
"There are some modern, more tropical and traditional spicier notes in the white 2022 Roda I Blanco, a powerful blend of Viura with small percentages of Malvasía Riojana and Garnacha Blanca that hits the scale at 14.5% alcohol and basically has the weight of a red but keeps very good freshness and acidity, reflected by a pH of 3.3 and 6.6 grams of acidity. It comes from the higher part, the beginning of the rows of multiple vineyards, and matured in 500-liter French oak barrels for 17 months." - Luis Gutierrez (Mar 2026)

92 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"Rich and full-bodied with opulent membrillo and apricot confit accented by sweet spice and minty lift. Luxurious texture and sleek oak frame the generous ripe fruit, giving a modern, satisfying style with warming depth." (Jan 2026)