Rioja, SpainThis glorious little sweetie is a true gem from Rioja’s CVNE. Fresh as a daisy, it smells of heady white flowers, peaches and dried apricots. The honeyed palate has high lip-smacking acidity that refreshes the rich flavours of lime curd, almond cream and sugared herbs. It’s hard to imagine conditions for botrytis in Rioja, but don’t underestimate the significant Atlantic influence. Viura (85 percent), malvasia and garnacha blanco get positively afflicted with botrytis which you can sense in the wine with subtle smoky, toasty, dried fruit flavours. Perfectly pitched sweetness can work with blue cheese cheesecake, passionfruit pavlova, or even a thick chunk of rich pâté. I reward it with an extra point for rarity.Tasted: 23 May 2019Tasted by: Prices:
BC
$39.99
750ml
currently not in BC
Producer: Compañía Vitivinícola del Norte de Espana (CVNE)Distributors: Pacific Wine & Spirits Inc. Blend: Viura - White Grenache - MalvasíaUPC: 8410591004158
Rioja, SpainYou don’t see this wine every year but rather when climatic conditions conspire to allow for optimal ripening in the vineyard – the grapes in question are 85 percent viura mixed with 15 percent white grenache and malvasia. The must is barrel-fermented in American oak barrels until the yeast expires in a sugary grave of some 25 grams per litre of residual sugar. There is a yellow tinge its the colour and a tropical yellow fruit nose complexed with a dusting of botrytis, nuts and smoke. The attack is silky with honeyed crème brûlée flavours flecked with a peppery, caramel finish. Serve this well chilled and give it a go with spicy Thai or Indian food if you dare or more conservatively with foie gras. It’s a perfect dessert in itself if served solo after the meal.Tasted: 27 March 2019Tasted by: Prices:
BC
$39.99
750ml
currently not in BC
Producer: Compañía Vitivinícola del Norte de Espana (CVNE)Distributors: Pacific Wine & Spirits Inc. Blend: Viura - White Grenache - MalvasíaUPC: 8410591004158