Nivarius, Rioja Blanco

Refreshing with a creamy texture and fruity notes of zesty citrus, ripe apple and pear complemented by mineral nuances through to a long finish.

Producer Note

Bodegas Nivarius specialises in the production of white wines from cool-climate vineyards in Rioja. The estate vineyard, which covers 11 hectares, is also a heritage-recovery project, which aims to re-establish some of the rarer indigenous white varieties from La Rioja, which have naturally adapted to each terroir. Thus, the Maturana Blanca, a variety that was once practically extinct has become a mainstay, along with old vines of Viura and Grenache Blanc. Nivarius, meaning ‘snow-drift’, takes its name from the common sight of the snowy blanket which covers the vineyards in winter. Based in Nalda, 17 kilometres from Logroño, the vineyards are north facing and are situated at 800 metres above sea level, which naturally produces highly aromatic, fresh fruit. Sustainable agricultural practices combined with minimal intervention in the winery, result in inimitable wines full of natural freshness.

Vintage 

2021 saw a near-perfect vegetative cycle for the Tempranillo Blanco variety. An absence of spring frosts allowed the vines to follow a typical growth cycle. Bud break took place a week earlier, and the summer weather saw sunny, warm days which encouraged excellent ripening with balanced freshness

Vineyard

The Tempranillo Blanco grapes are grown in the cool-climate sub regions of the Iregua Valley and the mountainous area of Nalda, Albelda and Clavijo. The warm days and cool nights prolong the ripening period and preserve aromatic richness in the fruit. The soils made up of a mixture of ferrous clay, with calcareous clay. The soils are generally deep with sandy components, which imparts agility and depth to the wine. The Tempranillo Blanco variety produces few clusters, which means it ripens quickly, this trait is balanced by the soils which impart natural freshness. The vineyards are farmed using sustainable methods; chemical sprays are not used, instead organic products are employed in order to protect the environment and biodiversity of the vineyard. This sustainable approach encourages the best expression of the terroir and a true reflection of the aromas and flavours of the white Rioja grape varieties. The grapes are hand-harvested at optimal phenolic maturity. 

Winemaking

The grapes were gently pressed in a reductive environment; the absence of oxygen reduced the risk of oxidation of aromas. Fermentation took place spontaneously with natural yeasts at low temperatures in stainless steel tanks to preserve the purity of fruit. The wine was matured in stainless steel vats for four months on its fine lees, with bâtonnage three times per week to obtain volume on the palate.

Tasting Note

Intense, fruity notes of zesty citrus, ripe apple and pear are complemented by white floral blossom and mineral nuances. Fresh and beautifully balanced, with a creamy texture and a long finish. 

Grape

Tempranillo Blanco 100%