Contino Blanco 'San Gregorio' 2022

Contino Blanco 2021 is a sophisticated and complex white Rioja produced by Viñedos del Contino, an estate renowned for pioneer single-estate winemaking in Rioja Alavesa. Crafted primarily from Viura with small proportions of Garnacha Blanca and Malvasía grown on alluvial soils along the Ebro River, the grapes are harvested manually and carefully selected. The wine undergoes barrel fermentation followed by extended aging on its fine lees in a combination of French oak barrels and concrete vats. The result is a luminous straw-yellow wine delivering complex aromas of ripe pear, lemon curd, white peach, toasted hazelnuts, and delicate floral notes, backed by a subtly smoky oak frame. On the palate, it exhibits impressive volume and creaminess, balanced perfectly by crisp, refreshing acidity and a persistent, mineral-driven finish.

Food Pairing: Pairs beautifully with roasted poultry, pan-seared sea bass, creamy seafood risotto, grilled lobster, pork tenderloin, and aged semi-hard cheeses like Manchego.

94 Points - James Suckling