Vina Ijalba Reserva Blanco 2019

Vina Ijalba Reserva Blanco 2019

Vina Ijalba
$38.00

Grape: Viura, Maturana Blanca
Vintage: 2019
Type: White

This traditional white Rioja is an organic estate blend combining viura and maturana blanca under strict Reserva guidelines. Viña Ijalba handles the hand-picked fruit from sustainably managed vineyards rooted in limestone-heavy soils to ensure structural concentration. The juice undergoes a low-intervention spontaneous fermentation with native wild yeasts followed by a complete malolactic conversion in barrel. The wine undergoes an extensive maturation process, aging for at least three full years in French oak casks and bottle.

It pours a luminous gold hue, releasing fragrant aromatics of white flowers, ripe citrus, stone fruits, and subtle vanilla. A medium-bodied frame balances mature orchard flavors with an underlying creamy texture from wood contact. A clean wave of natural acidity runs through the center, keeping the rich, developed profile fresh and balanced. Subtle notes of honey and roasted nuts add depth across the smooth mouthfeel. It concludes with a smooth, slightly nutty finish.

Viña Ijalba is a pioneering family-owned estate in Rioja, established in 1991 by Dionisio Ruiz Ijalba, who began transforming abandoned open-cast mines and gravel pits into high-quality vineyards as early as 1975. Located near Logroño, the winery is distinguished as the first in Rioja to be certified organic, maintaining a deep commitment to biodiversity and environmental sustainability through practices like wastewater recycling and the use of native yeasts. The estate is globally recognized for its research into recovering near-extinct autochthonous grape varieties, having been the first to produce single-varietal wines from grapes such as Graciano, Maturana Blanca, Maturana Tinta, and Tempranillo Blanco. Their winemaking approach blends modern technology with traditional soul, utilizing a mix of concrete vats and both French and American oak to create wines that prioritize fruit purity and terroir expression. By focusing on poor, stony soils and low-yield viticulture, Viña Ijalba produces a diverse range of labels—from fresh, unoaked styles to structured Reservas—that represent a unique third way between the region's classic traditions and contemporary innovation.