Miguel Merino - Rioja Blanco 2021
Price: $58.99
| Producer | Miguel Merino |
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| Country | Spain |
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| Region | Rioja |
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| Varietal | Viura, Garnacha Blanca |
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| Vintage | 2021 |
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| Sku | 18185 |
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| Size | 750ml |
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Miguel Merino Jr. took over the reins from his father and has become one of the rising superstars in the “new” Rioja movement. In their recent article, “Rioja’s village wines: The names to know and bottles to seek out.” Decanter highlighted Miguel Merino Jr.!
What is the “new” Rioja movement? Simply, it is the same (r)evolution we have seen across the world – young winemakers looking back in time to how wine was made before international distribution and commercialization. A focus on the vineyard first, second and third. Then, a focus on the making of wine. For some reason, Rioja is late to the party. But now that they are getting down, it is quite a party.
80% Viura / 20% Garnacha Blanca, fermented and aged 10 months on the lees in double sized French oak barrels.There’s exotic peach and tangerine, citrus and apple aromas. But the palate is ultra-subtle, refreshing and, might I say, zippy for a fat wine like this! Yeah, it’s body is big and it’s not trying to hide it, but the salinity and acidity of the long finish balances it out. There’s also a savory pastry nuance to the whole thing, probably from aging on the fine lees, that’s making my mouth water as I type. Try this if you’ve ever enjoyed Albarino, White Burgundy, White Rhone… okay, if you drink white wine.
Wine Advocate: 94 Points
"In 2020, the Garnacha Blanca suffered from frost, so the 2020 Blanco is unusual as it's 100% Viura from old vines intermixed in the vineyards with the reds. It's serious, austere and mineral, with a lively palate, vibrant with very good freshness and acidity (pH 3.1, without malolactic). It's has a little Burgundian accent, but it's clearly Riojan. 2,600 bottles were filled "
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