2020 Allende Blanco, Rioja, Spain

95% Viura, 5% Malvasia. From a vineyard near Briones planted on a mix of red-clay and gravel soils. The vines have an average age of over 55 years and are from two parcels with different orientations: one facing southeast, the second facing northwest. The bunches are pressed softly, with the free-run juice settled for 48 hours before fermentation in new French oak barrels for 28 days at 20°C. The wine is then aged in French oak for 14 months – on the lees for the first seven months with bâtonnage twice a week.

It's an old favourite that really never lets one down. Yes, it's very slightly oily, but it's pure, old-fashioned – or should one say classic? – Rioja Blanco. Forget these new imported varieties! Good value.

Drink 2023 - 2028

The 2020 Blanco is a blend of 95% Viura and 5% Malvasía sourced from old vines in Briones, Rioja Alta. Fermented and aged in oak barrels, this yellow wine unfolds notes of fennel, peach, and green apple, with further hints of hazelnut and oak. Dry, creamy, and refreshing on the palate, it lingers long with a lasting fruity flavour—a modern Rioja Blanco.

Known as the enfant terrible of Rioja, Miguel Ángel de Gregorio y Sánchez founded Allende in 1995 with a clear, viable vision: to use grapes from a historic vineyard planted in Briones in clay and gravel soils to develop a distinctive Rioja Alta identity with more fruit and energy, in addition to methodical ageing. While at it, he restored an 18th-century mansion that is now serving as his home and winery. This winemaker with a bulletproof sense of humour produces wines with great depth of flavour.

Drink 2024 - 2032

36,000 bottles were filled in April 2022, after the wine spent 15 months in French oak barrels.

The white 2020 Allende Blanco might be overshadowed by the other whites produced here, but you should not dismiss it, as it's a phenomenal modern version of the classical whites from Rioja with complexity, volume and ageing potential. It has a moderate 13.6% alcohol and very good freshness the pH is 3.24), a complex nose with plenty of spice and pollen, a creamy touch and a very tasty, fresh and balanced palate. It should age nicely in bottle.

Drink 2024 - 2030