Clean nose - rather subdued, but lovely hints of jasmine, citrus, and sweet apple. Wonderful acidity and a substantive mouthfeel as well - quite a unique balance, with the mouthfeel not being ‘heavy’ as in an over-oaked Chardonnay. Asian pear, green apple, sweet citrus on the palate with maybe even a little hint of cucumber (crazy, huh? I think of cucumber because it has an aspect much like ‘spa water’ - the water with cucumber and orange slices in it), with a medium-length but very clean and crisp finish.
This wine is 90% Vijiriega and 10% Chardonnay - the two are quite complimentary as a blend. I very much enjoyed this wine, and compare it to a nice Soave Classico in character. I’m guessing it goes quite well with food as well, with the acidity present throughout, even into the finish. I tried it was some sardines, but they were too rich for the wine - not sure anything south of a sparkler or beer would do with sardines!
Tonight, this was my unquestioned favorite of Nola and Juan Palomar’s lineup that they shared with us at the Berserker Paella Fest at Mel Hill’s home. Funny, though, that I did not get enough time with it to really pick it apart, but If you had told me it was a New Zealand sauvignon blanc, I would not have doubted you.
Thanks for resurrecting this thread! This wine is worthy of more exposure, that’s for sure.
Not sure I’d call it a ringer for NZ Sauvignon Blanc, as I don’t remember the lemongrass, but nonetheless, it is refreshing and complex and quite enjoyable for summer
This wine is very interesting. First being from Southern Spain, it does off some nice fruity overtones and I put it up there in taste with some of the spring/summer sippers that most people enjoy. In fact, I think it is much better than most of the white wines in the $8.00-$12.00 range. Perhaps Nola can chime in on what makes this so interesting.
Thanks for the comments Mike. It is a grape that is indigenous to our area, brought to the area almost 3000 years ago. It is unlike just about any other white from Spain or anywhere else for that matter.
I asked Juan to also chime in here.
Mike, Totally agree with you. The fine white flower scent and the creamy full mouth fruitiness of white grapefruit with their peculiar gentle bitter / mineral taste makes it unique. The new harvest 2012 Vijiriega just got a Gold in Granada and should be arriving to the US soon.