Freddy R. Troya

9.1

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. — 2 days ago

Fabio Franchella

9.3

Auch der Blanco Reserva bestätigt die konstant hohe qualität dieser legendären bodega. Ausgeprägte Trockenfrüchte, quitten und apothekerschrank aromatik in der nase. Im gaumen trocken, leicht oxidativ, mandeln, weissblütig und viel gelbfruchtige aromen. Komplex, nie langweilig, betörend. I like Tondonia! — a month ago

with Zollinger

Lyn Farmer

9.4

It’s hard to find fully shed classic Viura (white Rioja) anymore but old-school Lopez de Heredia clings to tradition. This wine, nearly 10 years old on release, is fascinating - aged to the point of considerable oxidation yet it retains its fruit ands acidity. Bruised apple, ripe pear, golden raisin, orange peel, flint, wet stones, and hay happily coexist with hazelnut, dried orange peel, coconut, baking spices ands more. The medium acidity is a firm foundation to a richly textured wine, Long finish too! — 3 months ago

Jan A

9.6

I keep posting this, it is such a pqr killer! Widely available at around 18€ in the Netherlands. For my palate this is easy on premier/grand cru level. Worth seeking out! — 18 days ago

Fabio Franchella

9.2

Rare wine. Production less then 3000 bottles 9 different grapes. Perfume of south fruits, yellow flowers, bit minerality, eukalyptus…various fruits in general. Bit buttery, midle to low acidity. Really good, my expectations were higher. — a month ago

Fabio Franchella

9.3

Einfach wieder mal ein grossartiger weissser Rioja!! 14.5%, aber seeehr gut integriert..top!! — 2 months ago

Fabio Franchella

9.3

Absolut outstanding rosé. Was looking for years to finally drink it. and I was not disappointed. Aged cherry and strawberry notes witha hint of tannins, a hint of smokey tobaccos, etc etc etc — 5 months ago

Anne Richardson

9.0

A delightful white wine! Refreshing and engaging! Flavors of peach, grapefruit and lemon. — 4 days ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

Medium lemon color with aromas of stone and tropical fruit with notes of floral spice, blend of Viura, Garnacha Blanca and Malvasía de Rioja, fermented in oak vats and new French oak barrels, matured with the lees. On the palate flavors of apple, apricot and citrus fruits with white flower notes. Lively acidity, medium finish ending with floral spice notes. Drink now! Pair with a grilled red snapper! — a month ago

Jay Kline

9.5

Splash decanted directly before service; enjoyed over the course of a few hours out of red Solo cups. The 1981 Gran Reserva Blanco pours, a golden color with medium viscosity. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of Khalas dates, dried apricot, black lemon, almonds, toasted coconut and marshmallow. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and the texture is waxy. A cerebral wine and just lovely stuff. Well stored bottles have a long life yet left ahead. Drink now with patience and plenty of air and through 2051. — 2 months ago