Basilio Izquierdo “B de Basilio” White 2010

This outstanding blend of old vine Garnacha Blanca and Viura is a deep pale straw color, and displays one of the most deft touches working with French oak you will find coming out of Spain today. The effusive nose begins with fine hints of pineapple, pear, hints of vanilla and chalk followed by deeper aromas of yellow plum and nectarine. The palate is rich, supple and fresh with flavors of ripe pear, tangerine, nectarine and sweet white peach. Lemon-lime tones, leesy notes and soft chalk-laced minerality add definition. The finish is bright, full and long with lingering hints of sweet peach. WA 92

Basilio Izquierdo is a legendary Rioja winemaker, and after more than 32 years at CVNE he started his own personally inspired winery, Bodegas Basilio Izquierdo. His first wine was “B de Basilio”, both in a red and a white version, with only a small number of barrels of each made. He only uses grapes from old vine vineyards planted with massally selected vines pre-dating modern clones, which contributes to their character and complexity. Going back to earlier traditions he employs more Garnacha in the Red and Garnacha Blanca in the White, which lend a juicy, fruity suppleness to the Red and rich tropical notes to the White, respectively. However, underneath their fruit laden exteriors these wines offer beautiful and harmonious structure that makes them worthy of long aging. [More on Basilio Izquiredo]