Winemaker Notes
Fresh, dry and delicious, making the case for bigger is better (at least in terms of volume). Viura (you may know as Macabeo, or maybe as the white wine of Rioja) can tend to be somewhat neutral (boring) but the naturally low yields here preserve and bring out lively citrus and pear fruit flavors on a balanced backbone of acidity.
Commonly found as a single varietal white or blended with Malavasia and Grenache Blanc, Viura is a vital, leading white grape of Rioja. It also thrives in the lower elevations of the Penedes, where it takes the name Macabeo and adds aromatic and fruity notes to the traditional Cava blend with Parellada and Xarel-lo. Somm Secret—Called Macabeu in France, this versatile grape is prevalent in Roussillon where it makes still, sparkling, dry and sweet wines.
Just north of Spain’s famous Rioja region, Navarra excels in the production of full and fruit-dominant reds and good quality, dry rosés. Garnacha holds most of the land under vine, with Tempranillo coming in second place.