Zuria Orange Vinedos Hontza Natural Wine, Rioja Alavesa 2024
Country
Spain
Region
Rioja
Producer
Hontza
Grape(s)
Viura (70%)
Calagreno (30%)
Type
Orange
Style
Mineral
Oaked Style
Lightly oaked
Body Style
Medium bodied
Dry/Sweet Style
Dry
Alcohol Content
11.5%
Closure Style
Cork
Organic/Biodynamic
Biodynamic practices
Sustainable
Yes-certified sustainable
Vegetarian/Vegan
Vegetarian
Yes
Vegan
Yes
Allergens
Sulphites
Yes
Milk
No
Egg
No
Region
With nearly 65,000 hectares of vineyard, the region of La Rioja lends its name to Spain`s most widely recognised wines. Rioja is split by three major districts; Alta and Alavesa to the north, which are higher in altitude and the hot dry Oriental district to the south (previously known as Rioja Baja). Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo are the main red grape varieties used however more international varieties can also be used. The traditional aging classification system gives Rioja wines their distinctive style through the influence of extended ageing in oak barrels.
Producer
Viñedos Hontza is a family project born in 2015 out of a deep desire to close the circle between the vineyard and the glass, with wines that fully express the richness of the terroir from which they come. Certified organic they follow Biodynamic principles to take meticulous care of the earth, following similar principles in the winery with minimal interference. They see themselves as stewards of a natural process, guides who help the wine to express itself, with a respect for the natural process and drive to constantly innovate to refine techniques for unique expression.
Tasting Notes
Grown in clay and limestone soils of the basque area of Rioja Alavesa, this skin contact white is a blend of Viura and Calagreño (an almost extinct aromatic variety) which has seen 8 days on the skins. The wine undergoes a spontaneous fermentation, with a low intervention approach in steel vessels and then 50% ages in chestnut barrels. The wine is unfined and unfiltered. This is a terrific example of gastronomic skin contact styles of basque wine, with a lovely mineral, floral, citrus and slightly salty character, with slight tannins and a refreshing acidity.
Food
A perfect match for fish, white meats, pinchos and tapas.
