HORIZONTE DE EXOPTO
BLANCO 2021
D.O.Ca. RIOJA • SPAIN
"The new face of Rioja: a white of great purity, vibrant minerality and an elegance that defies time."
Philosophy of Wines with Soul
Horizonte de Exopto Blanco 2021 is an artisanal gem from Bodegas Exopto, founded in 2003 and led by Tom Puyaubert. This wine comes from old-vine plots on the foothills of the Sierra Cantabria. Its blend of Viura (the majority), Garnacha Blanca and Malvasía de Rioja is aged in a mix of concrete eggs, used barrels and demi-muids, seeking to capture the limestone essence of the terroir. The result is a serious white with volume and freshness, among Rioja's great whites. Buy it at La Cava Shop with free shipping from $1,499 MXN and discover more Bodegas Exopto wines, Rioja wines and white wines.
1. Technical Details
Winery: Bodegas Exopto.
Origin: Ábalos and San Vicente de la Sonsierra, Rioja Alta, Spain.
Varieties: Viura (the majority), Garnacha Blanca and Malvasía.
Aging: In a mix of concrete eggs, used French oak barrels and demi-muids.
Alcohol: 13% vol.
Vintage: 2021.
2. Tasting Notes
Appearance: Bright yellow with straw reflections, very clean.
Nose: Complex and suggestive. Notes of ripe white fruit (pear, apple), white flowers, aromatic herbs, fennel and a subtle minerality reminiscent of chalk. The oak is present only as a whisper of fine spice.
Palate: A broad entry with texture. Vibrant acidity runs through the palate, bringing a magnificent tension. The finish is long, slightly saline and with a notable fruity persistence.
3. Wine Architecture
4. Recommended Moments and Pairing
Signature Pairing: Because of its structure and acidity, it is ideal for baked fish, bacalao al pil-pil, soupy seafood rice dishes, white meats (poultry) and aged sheep's cheeses. It also pairs with Asian dishes with umami touches. See the guide to wines for seafood.
Suggested Moments:
- Business: A white with "weight" and prestige for sophisticated corporate lunches.
- Romantic Dinner: Elegance and complexity for a special evening.
- Summer: Perfect to enjoy at sunset, well chilled but letting it warm up to appreciate its evolution.
- Special Celebration: A distinctive choice for those looking to step outside the conventional in Rioja.
- Gift: An impeccable gift for connoisseurs who value terroir whites.
- Family Meal: Ideal to accompany a big Sunday lunch with roast fish or poultry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
What makes Horizonte de Exopto Blanco different?
It stands out for its modern Rioja philosophy. It uses traditional varieties, mostly old-vine Viura, with a winemaking approach that seeks tension, balance and a discreet integration of oak.
What do concrete eggs bring to the wine?
Concrete allows micro-oxygenation similar to wood but without adding external aromas, which helps keep fruit purity and accentuates minerality and volume on the palate.
What is the cellaring potential of the 2021 vintage?
Thanks to its acidity and structure, this wine can evolve in the bottle for several years, gaining complexity.
At what temperature should it be served?
It is recommended between 10 °C and 12 °C. It should not be served excessively cold so as not to hide its aromatic complexity.
Where can I buy Horizonte de Exopto Blanco in Mexico?
At La Cava Shop, with free shipping from $1,499 MXN and 90 days for free returns.