Ontanon Rioja Blanco Contribia 2023

The Pérez Cuevas family owns the Ontanon winery and has been operating it for four generations. Over that time, they have assembled over 2,300 acres of land, making them the third-largest family-owned winery in Spain. With such vast holdings, they experiment extensively, especially with emerging varieties. For this wine, the grapes are also sourced from their vineyards cultivated using certified organic practices.

Classic Rioja Blanco is primarily made from Viura, a varietal that can produce interesting wines if the vines are very old and the site is exceptional. That combination is rare, so most Rioja Blanco is as complex as a white paint on a white canvas. Over the past two decades, several wineries have championed Tempranillo Blanco, a naturally occurring genetic mutation that results in far more intriguing white wines. This is evident in the nearly explosive aromas of beeswax, quince, orange peel, and fresh green apple. It has nice texture and roundness on the mid-palate, with a refreshing kiss of acidity at the finish. Serve this wine with spring rolls, salmon croquettes, or grilled chicken over bitter greens.