2018 Remirez de Ganuza Olagar Gran Reserva Blanco

The Remírez de Ganuza Olagar Gran Reserva Blanco is a rare and prestigious white wine from Rioja, made by one of the region's most renowned producers. It is the top white cuvée of Remírez de Ganuza. Sourced from a small vineyard at an altitude of 600 m in Samaniego. Made exclusively from Viura old vines. Only 3,000 bottles of this wine are produced, and demand far exceeds the need. The wine is already receiving much praise, the press is calling it a 'game changer', and Tim Atkins voted the 2018 vintage the very best white Rioja (97 & Wine of the Year White Gran Reserva Category).

Sourced from a 1.45-hectare plot that managed to escape the devastating frost of 2017, Olagar is a Viura from high-altitude vineyards that ranks among the finest white wines of Spain. The wine handles its aging in new French oak effortlessly and possesses a chalky intensity, a subtle aroma of a lit match, beeswax, citrus zest, and mandarin flavors, a hint of fennel and salted almonds, and a lingering finish. Drink: 2026–2035 — Tim Atkin MW

The Remirez de Ganuza Olagar Gran Reserva Blanco 2018 is the sixth vintage of Remírez de Ganuza Blanco Gran Reserva Olagar. The wine is made with grapes from a very special vineyard, Olagar. It is located in San Vicente de la Sonsierra, in a border area for the harvest, at an altitude of 600 meters. It was planted in 1978 with local grape varieties using the traditional bushvine system. With a surface area of 1.45 hectares, it has a perfect orientation, with a pronounced calcareous clay slope and shallow soils that help contain the vigor of the vines. Through manual harvesting, the bunches are transported in 12 kg boxes to thermally controlled cold rooms and kept for 24 hours before fermenting at 4ºC - 6ºC. The grapes are then manually selected on a sorting table. The wine is made by extracting the floral must using rotor destemming, without crushing the grapes. The wine is fermented for 10 months and aged on its lees in new French oak barrels. The yeast is stirred by manually turning the barrels, a system unique to the winery that replaces traditional bâtonnage.

The Remirez de Ganuza Olagar Gran Reserva Blanco is fresh with a slightly oxidative character featuring bitter notes, minerality, and white fruit. Fantastic aromas of a great white Rioja: reminiscences of great white Burgundy on both the nose and palate. Spiciness and floral notes alternate with white stone fruit, exotic fruits, and an elegant touch of oak that will blend perfectly in the future. Broad on the palate with plenty of substance and firmness. Round mouthfeel, serious length, and complexity.

WINE AND FOOD SUGGESTIONS:

Grilled langoustines with garlic and parsley
The salinity and delicate sweetness of the shellfish complement the rich structure and ripe fruit of the wine seamlessly. The garlic and parsley enhance the spicy notes and keep the whole in balance.

Cod with creamy leek sauce
The soft texture of the cod and the creaminess of the sauce pair well with the full structure of the wine. The fresh acidity in the Olagar cuts through the fat nicely and provides balance.

Pollo al ajillo (chicken with garlic and white wine)
A classic Spanish dish with plenty of umami. The roasted and garlicky elements in the dish correspond beautifully with the aging aromas in the wine. The wine is powerful enough not to be overshadowed by the richness of the dish.

Risotto with truffle and Parmesan cheese
The creamy texture of the risotto and the umami of Parmesan and truffle enhance the roundness and depth of the wine. The wine offers sufficient acidity and power to carry the whole elegantly.

Roasted cauliflower with tahini and lemon
A surprising vegetarian option. The nutty flavor of tahini and the roasted cauliflower pair beautifully with the roasted notes of the wine. Lemon adds a freshness that complements the acidity of the wine.

FUN FACT: In the 'Attachments' tab, you will find the official factsheet for this fine wine. We will automatically send this to you upon ordering this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you come to collect the wine, you will often receive a nice discount . You will see your discount immediately when you select 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht, almost next to the A16, with ample parking. Click here for our address.

Do you need help choosing the right wine for your dish? Our sommelier is happy to assist you, free of charge and exclusively for Grandcruwijnen customers .
Visit grandcruwijnen.nl/sommelier for personal wine advice.