Weekly Wine: 2008 Bodegas Palacio "Cosme Palacio 1894" Rioja Blanco

This week's Weekly Wine Recommendation is a gem I discovered earlier this week at a seminar entitled, "The Next Generation of Rioja." I look forward to sharing the details of the seminar with you in an upcoming post but first, the scoop on a very interesting wine!

While Rioja is primarily know as a red wine region with over 90% of its vineyards planted to dark-skinned grapes, the region also produces some of Spain's most complex and long-lived white wines as well. Rioja Blanco is based on the Viura grape (known also as Macabeo) and historically the finest of these wines were barrel-fermented in the model of white Bordeaux - the region which inspired Rioja's love affair with oak barrel aging. The region's winemakers were introduced to the concept of barrels to refine and improve wine in the 19th century. Many premium Rioja Blanco wines are still barrel fermented and aged, but today the majority of Rioja wines are younger, fresher wines made entirely in stainless steel.

The 2008 Bodegas Palacio "Cosme Palacio 1894" Rioja Blanco is a blend of 92% Viura and 8% Malvasia from 60-80 year old vines. The wine is 100% barrel fermented in French oak, 50% new, and the result is a very unique and elegant wine that is definitely something out of the ordinary. Its heady aromatics and unique flavor profile of white flowers, pear, and nutmeg with just a hint of caramelized sugar really piqued my interest. This wine has a rich, round mouthfeel and delightful complexity that follow through to a long, lingering finish. If you're looking to break out of a wine rut or feeling a bit adventurous, this is a great wine for you!

Grapes: 92% Viura/8% Malvasia; 60-80 year old vines
Oak: 100% French oak, 50% new barrels

Aged: 7 months on the lees
Alcohol: 13.5%
MSRP: $32-50
Food Pairing: Richer seafood and white meat
Perfect for: The adventurous oenophile looking for a change of pace!
Where to find it: Old Vines Wine & Spirits in Delray Beach or www.wine-searcher.com

Cheers,