The 2011 Reciente White is a pure Viura, part of an entry-level line that is planned to be introduced by Olarra in late 2012 (along with a rose and a red that I tasted, but had not been completed). It has a simple, pleasant, fresh, bruised apple nose with a touch of lime. The palate is light and crisp with simple grapefruit and apple-driven fruit and a harmless, quaffing finish. Drink now.
My very first visit in Rioja was to Bodegas Olarra, located on the outskirts of Logrono. The estate was established in 1973 and outside the vast Y-shaped winery there are 111 hexagonal “egg box” domes whose function I am still unclear about! This is a large, rather than huge co-operative that oversees a range of worthy Rioja wine that is dependable and thoughtfully made. (See also Bodegas Ondarre that belongs to the same group.) “Cerro Anon” is the more classical side of the Olarra range, according to Javier Martinez de Salinas, a fresh take on Rioja with greater longevity. It generally comes from the older vines from contracted growers from all three sub-regions of Rioja.
Importer: Classical Wines Selections, Stamford, CT; tel. (203) 975-2522.