Abadía Retuerta Blanco | 2021

A newly elevated Vino de Pago (in 2022), Abadía Retuerta is a powerhouse, rivaling the best estates of Castilla y León. Situated just outside of the Ribera del Duero appellation, on the western fringe, their forte is red, typically Tempranillo blends that are more savory than fruity as well as single varietal expressions of Syrah and Petit Verdot. The white, a rarity in the region, is made from Sauvignon Blanc with 20% Verdejo, planted on north-facing slopes at an impressive altitude of 850 meters, some of the highest sites in the area. Barrel fermented and barrel aged, the influence of oak is subtle, adding texture, rather than leaving its clues of vanilla bean and toast. A youthful silver-green in the glass, the wine opens with mandarin, grapefruit confit, and dew drops of pear. The palate expands in every direction and is more soft than austere, stretched out by fine lines of pebbly minerality. In a region known for big reds, Abadía Retuerta proves that outliers are alive and well in Castilla y León. ~Allegra A