2023 Remirez de Ganuza Blanco Reserva

This is already the 7th vintage of this fantastic white wine from Remirez de Ganuza, and by now, this wine ranks among the very top of white (Rioja) wines. They have chosen to bottle this Remirez Blanco in a Burgundy-style bottle, and we can fully understand why. Although still young, the Remirez Blanco possesses the complexity of a fine Burgundy or Rhône wine. Fresh, complex, beautifully integrated oak, mineral, elegant. In its early years, we do recommend decanting the Remirez Blanco. This is pure enjoyment!!! In the Verema blog (the leading independent wine blog on Spanish wine), the Ganuza Blanco was voted the best Spanish white wine.

The Remirez Blanco consists of 70% Viura and 30% Malvasia from vines between 60 and 80 years old. As with all wines, Fernando has the grapes hand-picked, and there are two sorting tables, ensuring a double selection to guarantee that only the best grapes go into the wine. The grapes that do not make the cut (sometimes as much as 30-40%) are sold to winemakers in the region (because even this fruit is often more beautiful than what they have themselves). The grapes come from a single vineyard planted in 1978 on rolling clay and limestone soils at an altitude of 600 meters in San Vicente de la Sonsierra.

The wine is barrel-fermented and aged for 12 months in new French oak. The wine is aged sur lie, and the barrels are rotated a quarter turn every 7 days. After maceration and fermentation, élevage follows with regular bâtonnage in a closed circuit to avoid contact with the air. Fernando places the barrels on rollers so that he can rotate them to mix the lees with the wine. After bottling, the wine undergoes bottle aging for at least 12 months (and often longer) in the beautiful cellar of Remirez de Ganuza before being released.

The Remirez de Ganuza Blanco Reserva is an absolute top white wine in which the tremendous acidity and minerality stand out in particular. On the nose, we detect Granny Smith apple, white flowers, citrus fruit, beautifully integrated oak, and a hint of apricot in the very distant distance. The taste is exquisite. Full-bodied, fresh, with notes of lemon peel, pebbly, and saliva-stimulating due to the lovely bitterness and very finely integrated oak. This is a very stylish, elegant modern Rioja wine with a fantastic finish. Best decanted in its younger years.

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.  

1. Grilled sea bass with fennel, lemon zest, and olive oil
The wine's fresh acidity complements the citrus notes, while the aromatic fennel enhances the wine's floral and spicy profile. The texture of the fish pairs beautifully with the wine's creamy structure.

2. Oven-baked chicken leg with garlic, lemon, and thyme
The juicy, tender meat and the fresh spiciness round out the oak-aged notes of the wine and bring out the fruity character.

3. Risotto with asparagus, Parmesan cheese and a touch of lemon
The creaminess of the risotto complements the texture of the wine, while asparagus and lemon accentuate the fresh, mineral aspect. Parmesan provides extra depth.

4. Slow-cooked leeks with hazelnut butter and grated Manchego
Leek has a soft, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the aging notes of the wine. The hazelnut butter underscores the nutty aspect, and the cheese adds salinity and richness.

5. Lobster with saffron cream sauce and pea purée
The creamy sauce reflects the roundness of the wine, while saffron and shellfish notes emphasize the refined character. The peas provide freshness and balance.

6. Fried sweetbreads with cauliflower cream and apple capers
The combination of soft textures, subtle richness, and an acidic note brings both the depth and freshness of the wine fully to life. The dish complements the gastronomic style of this white Rioja.

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