This is a one of a kind wine.  We were very excited to receive this wine sample.  As I sat down with two of my former students we passed the bottle and marveled over the grapes.  “Have you heard of Tempranillo Blanco and Maturana Blanca?”  I’m the teacher so I’m thinking I should be able to say “yes.”  But I was just as enchanted by the novelty.  Some interweb research revealed this white wine from Vivanco is the only blend of its kind.

The Vivanco Grapes of Obscurity

50% Viura – We know this one.  The main white grape of red Tempranillo soaked Rioja.  We were expecting fruit, flowers, and acidity.

35% Tempranillo Blanco – For a second I thought this was red Tempranillo separated from the skins (as in Pinot Noir for Champagne). Here is what Vivanco taught me, “This grape variety comes from a natural genetic mutation found in a single cane of a red Tempranillo vine, discovered in an old vineyard in Murillo de Río Leza (La Rioja) in 1988. It has a fruity, intense aroma of bananas, citrus fruit and tropical fruit with floral notes. It does not exist anywhere else in the world.”  Wine Geek Out.

15% Maturana Blanca – I did not even have a starting point.  Again Vivanco to the rescue. “It is the oldest grape variety to have a written record in Rioja, being mentioned in a text dating to 1622. Maturana Blanca wines are a greenish yellow, with fruity aromas of apples, bananas and citrus fruit underscored by grassy notes. It does not exist anywhere else in the world.” I might have just wine fan girl squealed a bit.

Our Vivanco Viura, Tempranillo Blanco, Maturana Blanca Tasting Note

Vivanco 2016 Blend of Viura, Tempranillo Blanco and Maturana Blanca Rioja 92 points Drink or hold 2022

This is a very unique blend including two rarely seen seen white grapes from Rioja DOCa. An expressive yet elegantly delicate nose of lime, pineapple, white roses, orange, yellow apple, fresh grass, and lots of minerality.  Bone dry and beautiful with orange citrus, wet stone, salty green apple acidity and a long, crisp, clean finish that deserves contemplation. One person suggested sipping it on a west facing porch watching the sun slip beneath the horizon – oh and with a plate of cheese.

We scored this 92 points over at International Wine Report and suggest drinking it now through 2020.  It has enough acid to last a long time and who knows what flavors might develop but it is so lovely, why wait.

Vivanco suggests pairing with “mild rice dishes, all types of salads, white meats, cold creams, fish and shellfish.”  We tasted this wine as part of an International Whites dinner party. Click Stuffed Fish – Spanikopita Filled Dover Sole to read about our pairings and tasting party. Click the following wines to learn what else we tasted. Planeta la Segreta Bianco 2016 Sicily   Cusumano Shamris Grillo 2015 Sicily