2007 Rioja Blanco, Finca Allende

The gregarious Miguel Angel Di Gregorio has always put a lot of effort into his white wine; in the way that some see white Hermitage as every bit as important as its red counterpart, he feels that white Rioja is a key part of Rioja's heritage and identity. Paradoxically, however, his method of expressing this is to make a modern style ,using new French oak of quite tight grained provenance.
With a blend divided equally between Malvasia and Viura, the 2007 has attractive tropical notes on the nose, backed up by hints of guava, fennel and lemon grass. The palate is generously textured, but not too plump; its oak buttress discrete but solid. The finish is creamy and rather indulgent. A wine that will accompany a variety of dishes, including lighter meats.
(Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer)