2023 Aalto Blanco de Parcela Fuente de las Hontanillas

Bodegas Aalto: top quality from Ribera del Duero

Bodegas Aalto was founded in 1999 by Mariano García, former technical director of Vega Sicilia, together with Javier Zaccagnini. Their goal was simple yet ambitious: to create wines that express the character of Ribera del Duero in a modern and pure way. What began as a project focused on Tempranillo from old vines has grown into one of the most respected names in Spain.

Aalto's philosophy is based on precision, terroir, and balance. The vineyards are spread across several villages within the Ribera del Duero, bringing diversity and complexity to the wines. In recent years, the estate has applied this expertise to a unique new project: a high-quality white wine, the Blanco de Parcela Fuente de las Hontanillas.

The Fuente de las Hontanillas vineyard

Fuente de las Hontanillas is a single vineyard on high-altitude, calcareous soils in Castile and León. The altitude ensures cool nights, which help the grapes retain their acidity and freshness, even in hot summers. The soil consists of limestone and sand, which gives the wine its characteristic tension and salty minerality.

This exceptional cuvée is a rarity in the region: a white wine from an area primarily known for its powerful reds. Aalto proves that Ribera del Duero can also express its terroir in white wines, at a level reminiscent of the best white wines of northern Spain.

Composition and vinification

The 2023 Blanco de Parcela Fuente de las Hontanillas is made from an unusual yet harmonious blend of Verdejo, Albillo Mayor, and Godello. Harvest took place at relatively moderate temperatures, resulting in grapes that were both ripe and fresh. The wine was then aged in oak barrels for ten months, adding depth and a subtly creamy texture without losing its freshness.

The result is a wine with 12.5% alcohol and a perfect balance between tension and suppleness. The acidity (5.76 g/l) and low pH (3.39) give it liveliness and precision, while the barrel aging adds complexity and length. Only 13,000 bottles were produced, emphasizing the exclusivity of this wine.

Tasting notes according to The Wine Advocate

Luis Gutiérrez of The Wine Advocate describes the 2023 Blanco de Parcela as a wine with "more color but less alcohol than the previous year," originating from a cooler growing season. He calls the wine "spicy and smoky," with a fine, chalky texture and a juicy, savory finish. He says the wine displays a perfect balance between ripeness and freshness, with a clean, mineral finish.

Gutiérrez concludes that the wine is “chalky, tasty and sapid, with a clean finish” – a white Aalto with character and tension, built for further development in the cellar between 2025 and 2031.

Review of James Suckling

Zekun Shuai of JamesSuckling.com gave the wine 94 points and describes it as "fresh, full, and vinous, with a saline tang at the finish." He praises the combination of freshness and concentration, with subtle aromas of toasted bread, white peach, and citrus, supported by a light creaminess and a chalky note.

According to Shuai, the wine is "slightly chalky and taut, with high but mellow acidity," which gives it tension without being sharp. The wine is both energetic and refined, combining a fresh style with a round, elegant finish. Drinkable upon release, but also suitable for several years of aging.

Color, smell and taste

In the glass, the wine displays a golden yellow color with subtle green hues. The aroma is complex and inviting: white flowers, ripe apple, citrus, toasted bread, and a hint of beeswax. The barrel influence is delicate, adding nuances of vanilla and toast without being overpowering.

On the palate, the wine is full and concentrated, with a satiny texture and lively acidity. The chalky minerality creates tension, while the finish is long, clean, and slightly salty. The balance between power and freshness makes this one of the most compelling white wines from Castilla y León.

Drinking time and storage potential

The Aalto Blanco de Parcela Fuente de las Hontanillas 2023 can be enjoyed young for its fresh, energetic character, but will continue to develop in the coming years. The ideal drinking window is between 2025 and 2031. The wine has sufficient structure and acidity to reveal more depth, creaminess, and complexity with age.

Wine and food pairings

• Seafood risotto with lemon and dill – the salty freshness of the wine enhances the maritime notes of the dish.
• Grilled octopus with potato cream and smoked paprika powder – the subtle smokiness of the wine complements the grilled notes perfectly.
• Lobster with vanilla butter and fennel – the creamy structure of the wine supports the soft texture of the lobster.
• Roasted chicken with lemon and thyme – the fresh acidity provides balance and length.
• Goat cheese with honey and walnuts – the slightly salty character of the wine contrasts beautifully with the creaminess of the cheese.
• White asparagus with beurre blanc – a classic pairing where the wine reveals its freshness and elegance.

Would you like to order wines from Bodegas Aalto online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you this information when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway and with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read the full wine reviews from publications including Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.