USA LOW PRICE

95 points Tim Atkin
Nearly a third of Carlos Fernández's production is white these days and this nine variety blend from the 1920 Viñedo de Rebilla is one of his best-ever bottlings. Hungarian oak fermented and aged, it combines grapefruit and passion fruit flavours with chalky minerality and stony reduction. Delicious. 2023-29

Our Take: Bodegas Tierra Fidel Blanco 2019 opens with ripe orchard fruit and a distinctly floral, Muscat-like lift, with hints of yellow plum and stone fruit. The palate is broad and flavorful, with a rich, almost oily texture balanced by firm, refreshing acidity. There’s a pleasing contrast between the wine’s ripe, generous fruit and its freshness, giving it both weight and energy through the finish. A distinctive, old-vine Rioja Alavesa white with plenty of character and a more structured, vibrant feel than its richness might suggest.

Tierra: This is a pago wine coming from one of our oldest plot we have in the area of “Revilla” which was planted in 1925 with 7 different White grapes. Harvested by hand and collection in 14kgs plastic-crates.

Winemaking: Grapes are brought to the winery in small crates, sorted and destemmed prior to fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Moved to 225 liter barrels made with American oak staves and French oak heads for four months. Daily bâtonnage on lees adds great structure and complexity.

Varietals: 20% Garnacha Blanca, 20% Viura, 20% Malvasía, 40% Otras.