Bodegas Breton Loriñon Rioja Blanco 2004

Given the American association of Rioja with red wines, it may come as a shock, at least to some, that Rioja is both a red and a white wine as are Bordeaux and Burgundy. However, the production of distinctive traditional white wines runs as deep in Rioja as any world-class appellation. The 2004 Bodegas Breton Loriñon Rioja Blanco is an exceptional white Rioja that marries the best of the traditional style of the Rioja to the freshness of modern equipment and contemporary taste. Barrel fermented and produced from 100% Viura grapes, the 2004 Loriñon Blanco is redolent with the scent of spring flowers, vanilla, and fresh picked apples. Long and textured on the palate, this young white Rioja offers up plenty of fruit driven charm to complement its plush oak and balanced tannic under girding. Moreover, the 2004 Loriñon Blanco finishes pleasantly dry and noble, with nary an edge. Although striking in its youth, the excellent 2004 Loriñon Blanco can age another five years or more during which it will develop additional character and, perhaps, even acquire a whole other dimension to its flavor profile. We suggest serving this delicious white Rioja between 40°-45° F when young and considerably less chilled after several additional years of bottle age.

Tapas, Spain’s hearty appetizers, provide all the reason one needs to open a bottle of the 2004 Loriñon Rioja Blanco. Well-made traditional white Rioja can more than stand up to smoked fish, cured meats, and olive oil and herb infused starters. However, white fish and the more refined delicacies that inhabit the sea also get our nod with the Loriñon Blanco. Broiled or sautéed sea scallops and salmon, prepared just about any which way, are two of our perennial seafood favorites. Light meats in cream based sauces fare well with this wine, too. Also, whether it is from the cow, ewe, or goat, cheese makes a splendid companion to Loriñon’s first rate white Rioja. Indeed, what makes this white Rioja so interesting is its ability as well as its versatility, so enjoy!

Bodegas Breton is a small world-renowned estate in the Rioja Alta, the most beautiful and prestigious of Rioja’s wine regions. Founded in 1983, Bodegas Breton is a partnership that includes the famous 100-acre Viña Loriñon property, which lies at the heart of the Rioja along the south bank of the Ebro River, just outside the city of Logrono. Bodegas Breton also includes the legendary Dominio de Conté site, whose average vineyard age is the oldest in the Rioja. Both Breton vineyards specialize in the cultivation of the indigenous Rioja varietals: Tempranillo, Mazuelo, Graciano, and Garnacha for the estate’s red Rioja and Viura and Malvasia for the estate’s white wines. Here, winemaking for both red and white wines is very much in the traditional Rioja style – only Spanish grape varieties are utilized and the emphasis is on Crianza and Reserva style wines (meaning extended barrel aging and pronounced wood flavors) that have come to define not only Breton’s own traditional bent but Rioja’s distinctive flavor profile as well.