Continuing with the philosophy of producing singular wines which are deeply-rooted in the region and possessed of a clear identity, Sonsierra is launching its first vintage Tempranillo White. A limited edition wine, aged in wood over lees and produced from a variety arising from an ‘albinism’ mutation of Tempranillo Red which – thanks to perfectly adapting to the soil in Sonsierra and its particular characteristics – is promising to shower us with great whites.
Tempranillo White was discovered in Murillo de Río Leza in 1988 and found to be a natural mutation of the Tempranillo Red. Since then, various studies and tests undertaken in the QDO Rioja have confirmed the enormous potential of this new grape. So much so, that in 2009, the Rioja Regulatory Council included it in its catalogue of authorised varieties – the first new inclusion since 1925.
After various mini-wine productions revealed it was perfectly adapted to the soil, Bodegas Sonsierra is now launching the very first single-variety vintage of this grape: Sonsierra Tempranillo White 2015 – using grapes planted in 2011 in plots lying over 500 m a.s.l., in the foothills of the Sierra del Toloño.
The plots – southern-facing, chalky-clay soil – have not been chosen at random. This is the ideal habitat for this variety which ripens early and expresses itself better at cool latitudes. The southern orientation favours optimal vegetative growth and uniform ripening.
After 100% manual harvesting, rigorously selecting the healthiest perfectly ripe fruit, the wine is made and aged in barrels over lees in order to give it greater harmony and smoothness in the mouth.
‘It is a wine with great potential, one that aims to be for all palates – even those least taken by wines, who will surely be captivated by its fragrant nose with hints of sweet fruits and its excellent full-bodied mouth with its smoothness and sprightly acidity’, affirms wine expert Rafa Usoz.
A single-variety which can reflect a wide variety of aromatic nuances and taste sensations, notes that are both complex and full of harmony – in part endorsed by ageing in barrels with the lees.
On the nose, it is unique, captivating and expressive. The highlights are its aromas of white and tropical fruit together with a slight hint of toasting and cinnamon over a citric background, accompanied by floral notes.
In the mouth, it is rich, sweet and refreshing, while subtly silky; it has a lengthy finish full of fruity tones.
