Rioja's classic white grape
Viura
The backbone of white Rioja — fresh and floral when young, nutty and complex when barrel-aged.
The Grape
Viura (known as Macabeo elsewhere in Spain) is the main white grape of Rioja and a key component of Cava. Young, it gives fresh, floral, citrusy whites; with barrel-ageing in the traditional Rioja style it develops nutty, honeyed, oxidative complexity.
History & Origins
Long the workhorse white of northern Spain, Viura defines both modern fresh white Rioja and the legendary long-aged, barrel-fermented styles of houses like López de Heredia, while underpinning much of Cava.
Flavour Profile
Fresh and floral, or nutty and aged.
Young Viura
Green apple, citrus, white flowers, fennel
Light- to medium-bodied and fresh, with crisp orchard and citrus fruit and a delicate floral lift.
Barrel-Aged White Rioja
Almond, dried apricot, honey, hazelnut, beeswax
Traditional oak-ageing transforms Viura into a nutty, honeyed, complex white of remarkable longevity.
What to Pair It With
Viura works across fresh and aged styles.
Tapas & Seafood
Fresh Viura suits a varied tapas table.
Roast Chicken
Barrel-aged styles flatter herbed white meats.
Almonds & Hard Cheese
Nutty aged Viura echoes Marcona almonds and Manchego.
Where the Best Comes From
Viura's heartland is northern Spain.
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