The 2011 Allende Blanco is produced from vineyards planted on clay-rich soils with deep gravels averaging 55 years of age in Briones, the village where most of his vineyards are. The wine is composed of mostly Viura and a touch of Malvasia harvested after September 27. The hand-harvested grapes are pressed on a vertical press after selecting bunches on their arrival at the winery. The must is fermented in new French oak barrels for 28 days at 20oC where the wine stays for 14 months, the first seven in contact with their lees and with battonage twice a week. It’s very pale bright yellow-colored, with a seductive nose of beeswax, spices, dry hay and balsamic notes, the new oak incredibly well-integrated. The palate shows great intensity, the fruit comes through with pungent flavors, great acidity and length. Drink 2014-2021. Miguel Angel de Gregorio, proprietor and alma mater of Finca Allende, was born in La Mancha, but at the tender age of six months he moved to Rioja, as his father was in charge of viticulture at the Ygay estate from Marques de Murrieta. Miguel Angel grew up in Ygay, surrounded by vines and wine, and it was difficult to see how he’d escape the wine world. After his oenology studies he got a job as technical director of (the now disappeared) Bodegas Breton, and in 1994 he started his own project, making a carbonic maceration wine he aged in oak that he called Allende, meaning, far away. He has come a long way since, becoming one of the most prominent winemakers in Rioja and the whole of Spain. Allende was expanded with another two projects, Finca Nueva in Rioja and Finca Coronado in his native La Mancha. He likes 2010, which he calls the best vintage he’s ever lived, including 1981, when he started, and that’s saying something, as 1981 remains one of the great vintages, much better than the acclaimed 1982. He has and expresses his strong opinions quite vehemently. For example, he does not really consider 2005 a great vintage, he prefers 2004. He told me that in Rioja Alta the greatest vintages have always been the late, cool vintages. He considers 2011 a warm year, the same as 2009, and you feel it in the wines. 2012 is more balanced, despite being very dry, but with freshness. It’s worth remembering that Briones, where his winery and vineyards are, is a clay terroir with no limestone. Imported by Jorge Ordonez, Fine Estates from Spain, Dedham, MA; tel. (781) 461-5767

This firm white offers balanced flavors of apple, herb and vanilla, with fresh acidity and a clean finish. Modest but harmonious. Drink now. 500 cases made, 300 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Rioja Select to Add