Sierra de Toloño Nahikun Blanco 2018

The white 2018 NAHIKUN Blanco (which has a slightly different name than the previous year) comes from five micro plots of centenary vines planted with mixed varieties (red and white) that were vinified separately in red and white. So, this is a field blend of old varieties—Viura, Calagraño, Rojal, Garnacha Blanca, etc.—from the village of Villabuena de Rioja. The grapes fermented with indigenous yeasts in 500-liter oak barrels, where the wine matured for eight months with lees that were stirred periodically. But despite that, the wine is austere and sharp, denoting a cooler vintage, with a light body and shy flavors that should develop further with more time in bottle. 1,320 bottles were filled in May 2019.

Previously sold as Nahi, Nahikun is a field blend of old-vine Viura, Malvasía, Calagraño, Rojal and Garnacha Blanca from Villabuena de Álava. Floral, leesy and subtle, with almost no wood influence, aromas of jasmine and lemon peel and a hint of savoury bitterness. Mineral and intense. 2021-25