Nivarius Barrel Fermented Blanco
A cool-climate barrel fermented white Rioja – complex and oozing classic elegance.
A blend of 65% Viura coming from old vines, 50-60 years old, growing at between 500-600m; with the remainder comprising of 15% Maturana Blanca, 10% Garnacha Blanca and 10% Tempranillo Blanco grown at a higher altitude of 700-800m.
Grapes are sourced from vineyards in the Sonsierra Riojana area, Albelda de Iregua, Montes de Clavijo and Nalda. The soils are mainly calcareous clay, which provides minerality and a percentage of ferrous clay that provides weight to palate. They are generally deep soils, with a sand and clay component that gives the wine structure, freshness and longevity.
Juice is extracted by light pressing in the absence of oxygen to avoid oxidizing aromas, with fermentation in old 225-litre French oak barrels at low temperature and subsequent ageing on fine lees for six months in the same barrels, which are stirred daily to give the wine more broadness on the palate and minerality.
93 points – Tim Atkin (2020 vintage)
Bodegas Nivarius is the only winery in La Rioja to produce solely white wines. Integrated farming is used throughout the estate, chemical products are avoided and they are waiting organic certification for their vineyards.
A great aromatic intensity where stone fruits predominate in combination with notes of vanilla from the barrel fermentation and sweetness from ageing on lees. Fresh and balanced on the palate, with a long finish and a very fruity aftertaste.
“Stony, flinty struck match aromas segue into a palate that combines flavours of waxed lemons, grapefruit and sweet kitchen spices.” TA
Drink 2022-27
About the Producer
Bodegas Nivarius
Nivarius translates as ‘ice house’ or ‘snow-drift’ and references the common sight in the vineyards in winter. The name Nivei means ‘snow’. Bodegas Nivarius is the only winery in La Rioja to produce solely white wines. Its 11ha of vineyards dedicated to Tempranillo Blanco – a genetic mutation of a single red vine discovered in 1988 – is the largest planting in the world.
Based in Nalda, 17km from Logroño, the La Nevera and Valdecabos vineyards are north facing and 800m above sea level. This aspect and height gives cooler than average temperatures and helps produce highly aromatic, fresh and fruity grapes.
Navarius is dedicated to showcasing and restablishings Riojas more unusual grapes. Winemaking is dedicated to preserving the characteristics of the different varietals. To prevent oxidation during pressing, a membrane is used to cover the grapes throughout. Each block is vinified separately, with maceration times and fermentation temperature adjusted to squeeze the most varietal expression from the grapes.