Bhilar White
Established since 1999, Bodegas Bhilar is a boutique winery located in Elvillar, Rioja Alavesa, run by husband and wife team, David Sampedro and Melanie Hickman.
Rioja Alavesa is the smallest of the three wine-producing sub-regions in Rioja, Spain. It is the northernmost of the three sub-regions, bordering Rioja Alta to the southwest and Rioja Oriental (formerly Rioja Baja) to the southeast. Rioja Alavesa is most similar to Rioja Alta in terms of climate, soil and style, and together they are considered to produce the best wines of the region.
Robert Parker 90+ points
APPELATION: D.O.Ca Rioja (Sub-region: Rioja Alavesa)
GRAPE VARIETIES: 90% Viura 10% Garnacha Blanca
VINES AGE: 40-60 years old
ANNUAL PRODUCTION: Not more than 6000 bottles
HARVEST & PRODUCTION
The grapes are destemmed and placed in a concrete tank where alcoholic fermentation starts naturally with the skins. After fermentation, the wine is pressed and placed in French oak barrels for 6 months.
TASTING NOTES
The wine is austere, mineral and sharp profile with the strict palate limestone provides. The acidity of this high-altitude white is impressive, with 50% malolactic adding some creamy notes to the fresh, zesty, citrus and orange peel flavours.