Luis Alegre Unoaked Viura Blanco 2017

And yet another wholly distinctive white from Spain. Such is the diversity and variety available you're unlikely to find wines like them elsewhere.

If you're one of those who've become just a little too familiar with the likes of Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, then Spain might be the next destination for you. The Viura grape here goes to make a distinctly different yet hugely enjoyable, aromatic white Rioja.

Bodegas Luis Alegre is situated in the heart of the Alavesa region of Rioja near the town of Laguardia, the regional capital. It was founded by Don Luis Alegre in 1968. In the late 90's he was joined by a group of Spanish wine enthusiasts dedicated to quality and to sustainable winemaking. The winery's mission is to make high quality wines that respect the traditions of Rioja while embracing new technology and techniques. In 2000 the Bodegas saw the construction of a new winery, set into the hillside and designed to exploit gravity at every stage of production across its different floors. Great care is taken at all stages of wine making with emphasis on using the best fruit therefore Luis Alegre only harvests all fruit by hand and grape sorting tables are used extensively and are often transported into the vineyards during harvest. Oak is sourced from Hungary and America and then dried over a period of 18-36 months. The Bodega owns 54 hectares of vineyards in 12 separate sites in Alava. The wines are principally Tempranillo, with the addition of Graciano, Garnacha and Mazuelo to add character to the blend. The wines are aimed to be modern and elegant rather than power wines as quality is their principle for everything that the winery produces. Beginning with meticulous care for the vines, continuing with selection of the highest quality fruit and finishing with a bottle of wine, Luis Alegre produces some of the highest quality wines in the Rioja region.