Vivanco, Rioja DOC (Spain) 2019

 What?  A white Rioja?  Yes, and a delicious one at that with enticing floral, sweet mint, citrus aromas that introduce lemon, lime, melon flavors with subtle floral notes and a creamy texture.  Each grape variety (Viura, Tempranillo Blanco and Maturana Blanca) was fermented separately in stainless steel tanks and spent four months on lees.  Brisk, citrusy acidity adds zest to the scrumptious fruit and creates a charming partner for roast chicken  or turkey.  Winemaker Rafael Vivanco Sáenz grew up watching, then helping his father in the vineyards and winery.  He studied agricultural engineering in Pamplona and spent two years studying at the Faculty of Oenology in Bordeaux.  It was two years of working at esteemed estates in Bordeaux that helped him appreciate what Rioja had to offer: “Our native grape varieties, our micro-climates.  Authentic wines from the vineyard.”