White Rioja is often associated with rich, oak-aged wines, but Rivallana Blanco shows the region’s brighter and more immediately refreshing side. Predominantly made from Viura, with smaller additions of Verdejo and Tempranillo Blanco, it combines ripe pear, lemon and melon with delicate flowers and a touch of exotic fruit. Cool fermentation preserves its aromatic freshness, while a short period on the fine lees gives the palate a little extra roundness without introducing heaviness. Crisp, dry and uncomplicated, this is a versatile Spanish white that works equally well as an apéritif or alongside seafood, salads and lighter Mediterranean dishes.
Producer – Bodegas Ondarre
Bodegas Ondarre was founded in 1985 in Viana, a historic town in the eastern part of the Rioja appellation. The winery was established by the Limousin Ucin family with the aim of producing wines that reflect the distinctive vineyards and varied soils surrounding the town. Its name pays tribute to the family’s country house in Azpeitia, which dates back to 1450.
Now part of Grupo Bodegas Olarra, Ondarre works with a collection of small vineyard parcels positioned on the slopes rising towards the Sierra de Codés. The winery places particular emphasis on low yields, careful grape selection and separate vinification, allowing individual varieties and vineyard sites to retain their own personality. Although Ondarre is particularly well known for its traditionally aged red Riojas, Rivallana Blanco shows the fresher, more contemporary side of the estate.
Ondarre Rivallana Blanco, Terroir & Winemaking
The vineyards are situated on south-facing slopes along the northern hills of the Rioja Valley, at approximately 550 metres above sea level. The vines have an average age of around 25 years and grow across uneven terrain shaped by streams flowing down from the surrounding mountains.
The soils are shallow and relatively poor, generally reaching only around 30–35 centimetres before the vines encounter more compact underlying material. Clay is common, alongside significant chalk and iron content. The clay helps retain valuable moisture during Rioja’s warm, dry summers, while the altitude and cooler nights preserve acidity and aromatic freshness.
Viura, Verdejo and Tempranillo Blanco are harvested and carefully sorted before being fermented separately in stainless-steel tanks at controlled temperatures of 14–16°C. The wines then spend approximately two months on their fine lees, with periodic movement to build texture and complexity. The three components are blended before bottling, with no oak used, allowing the fruit and floral character to remain clear and vibrant.
Ondarre Rivallana Blanco, Tasting Notes
Pale lemon in colour with subtle green reflections. The nose is fresh and aromatic, opening with ripe pear, lemon, green melon and crisp apple. Delicate notes of wild flowers and white blossom are followed by hints of peach, citrus peel and lightly exotic fruit.
The palate is dry, light and refreshing, with juicy orchard fruit supported by bright citrus acidity. Brief lees ageing adds a gentle roundness through the middle without taking away from the wine’s crisp character. The finish is lively and clean, leaving lingering flavours of lemon zest, pear and fresh herbs.
Food pairing suggestion: Hake with Saffron, White Beans and Roasted Peppers.
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