Conde Valdemar Finca Alto Cantabria Gran Añada Brut Nature 2017

We shouldn’t be surprised that this sparkling wine is so impressive, given that the source of its base wine is the Finca Alto Cantabira, also responsible for one of Rioja's best whites. Aged on its lees for 40 months, it takes the region's bubblies to a new level of quality, combining a fine mousse with subtle wood notes and flavours of citrus, brioche and white pepper. Very promising indeed. 2023-30. 

An intense nose, with punchy sourdough yeast and brioche on top of lemon curd, white nuts and sliced apples. Crisp and bone-dry with some blanched almond and an intense, yeasty tang. Lovely phenolics in the long finish. Drink through to 2026.