Roda I Blanco, Bodegas Roda 2021

The third vintage of their only white is the 2021 Roda I Blanco, produced with the grapes from the white vines planted in their old vineyards, usually at the beginning of the rows, mostly Viura with some Malvasía Riojana and Garnacha Blanca. It fermented with indigenous yeasts and matured in large oak barrels for 18 months. 2021 was a very complete year with a long cycle when the grapes ripened thoroughly but kept very good acidity. It has a golden color and a nuanced, expressive and clean nose with notes of pollen, yellow fruit, herbs and flowers, and it has a polished palate with pungent flavors that brought back memories from the traditional whites from Rioja with some spiciness and hints of mushrooms and old caves. It's ripe without excess at 14% alcohol, keeping very good freshness and acidity, denoted by a pH of 3.2 and six grams of tartaric acid per liter, giving it a round but vibrant mouthfeel. I found it delicious and ready to drink, but it should also develop nicely in bottle. It's their finest white to date.

Now into its third iteration, the Roda Blanco has really begun to hit its stride. Combining Viura with 5% Garnacha Blanca and Malvasía de Rioja, the 2021 is the best of the trio to date, marrying the weight of the 2019 with the freshness of the 2020. Jasmine, vanilla and thatch aromas segue into a bright, sappy palate of lime, pear and clementine complemented by chalky acidity.