Iraun White Rioja by Oxer Wines

Variety

97% Viura, 3% Garnacha Blanca 

Production

1.396 bottles

IRAUN sprang from the idea to create an oak aged Viura defined by its freshness and subtleness. An aged white Rioja that is not overpowered by oak and creaminess, but very well expresses its terroir.

Vineyard

DOCa Rioja. A 99-year old vineyard of 1 ha located in Elvillar (Rioja Alavesa) at 600 metres altitude with calcareous clay composition. A mixed plot of Tempranillo, Viura and Garnacha Blanca that only yields 3000 kg per hectare.

Winemaking

The alcoholic fermentation starts in stainless steel tanks, using only indigenous yeast, and finishes in amphoras and used French oak barrels. The wine ages for another 12 months in French oak.

Tasting note 

Iraun shows concentrated aroma ́s of ripe yellow peach, Amalfi lemon, sweet spices and some yellow flower notes. On the palate it shows a stoney minerality. This 2016 vintage has an incredibly long finish.

What ́s in the name

Iraun is Oxer ́s tribute to his people and language (Euskera). The word mean “to endure”. Despite all obstacles and challenges, the Basque people persevered and they kept the oldest language in the world alive. In the label this is depicted as a Uroborus, a snake eating its own tail. The emblem of eternity.

Analysis

Alcohol 12,5%

pH 3,41

Total acidity (in tartaric acid) 4,52 g/l

Acknowledgements

Iraun 2012: 92 points – Guía Peñin 2019

Iraun 2012: 92 points – Robert Parker 2016

Iraun 2012: 94 points – Tim Atkin MW Rioja 2017 Special Report Iraun 2012: 93 points – James Suckling 2016