CVNE / Bodegas Contino: Rioja Contino San Gregorio Blanco 2022

Parker om: Rioja Contino San Gregorio Blanco

The Blanco has been changed to 2022 San Gregorio Blanco, a return to the traditional whites but without excess oak, maturing it in 500-liter barrels. It's a blend of 80% Viura from San Gregorio and La Table and 20% Garnacha Blanca from La Encina, all between 35 and 40 years of age. The destemmed grapes were put in stainless steel for a few hours, then pressed, and the juice fermented for 20 days. It matured in concrete (30%) and 500-liter barrels of different ages for 12 months. It's the evolution of the white they started in 2006, and it feels like they have found the way this year, with character and freshness, not heavy. It comes in at 13.35% alcohol, with a pH of 3.28 and 6.22 grams of acidity. It has floral notes and hints of pollen and fennel, with the balance between ripeness and freshness and is tasty and almost salty. To me, this is their finest white to date, despite the adverse conditions of the year. 15,318 bottles and 100 magnums produced. It was bottled in July 2024.