Bhilar – Rioja Alavesa Blanco La Revilla Sexto Ano

David Sampedro and his wife, Melanie Hickman own and run this 9.5 ha biodynamic estate around the village of Elvillar in the Rioja Alavesa where limestone soils meander through three valleys that run between the Sierra Cantabria mountains and the River Ebro. The philosophy is based on a modern approach promoting respect for the environment with a partially subterranean built ‘‘off the grid’’ winery powered by solar panels, and ambitious natural wine making that follows the lunar calendar. Ageing takes place for the top wines in French oak 500 and 600 litre casks. The resulting wines are enticing, dense, deep, and elegant. They also exploit some small plots of old Rufete vines in the mountainous region of Salamanca, where the soils are composed of granite and slate.

Sourced from an 0.68 hectare plot known as La Revilla which was planted in 1925. Clay and limestone soils. The higher percentage of clay soil in this vineyard produces more humidity and as a result, yield and very vibrant liferich soil. Each bush vine viura is held by a stake due to the high prevailing winds. 
100% old vine Viura - Hand harvested. The grapes are destemmed above 500L barrels and foot crushed. The fermentation takes place with the skin and stems and after fermentation is finished, the wine is pressed and placed in 225L used French oak barrels. The wine then rests on its lees until it is bottled 6 years later. The barrels are not topped up and do not develop flor. Racked once before bottling. Less than 1000 bottles made.

Biodynamic. Oxidative notes in the nose but the wine does not show its age. Balsamic with an aromatic, vermouth-like note, hints of cereals, royal jelly, dried flowers and chamomile, nuanced and complex. A layered and textured palate with chalky sensations, seriousness, good balance and length. Quite different from a majority of whites from Rioja.

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