HORIZONTE DE EXOPTO
BLANCO 2021
DOCA 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, led by Tom Puyaubert. This wine originates from small plots of old vines located on the slopes of the Sierra Cantabria. Its unique blend of Viura, Garnacha Blanca, and Malvasía de Rioja is partially fermented and aged in concrete eggs and used French oak barrels, seeking to capture the calcareous essence of the terroir. The result is a serious white, with volume and an electric freshness that positions it among the great white wines of Spain.
1. Technical Details
Winery: Bodegas Exopto.
Origin: Ábalos and San Vicente, Rioja Alta, Spain.
Varieties: Viura, Garnacha Blanca, and Malvasía.
Aging: 12 months on lees in concrete eggs and used French oak barrels.
Alcohol: 13.5% vol.
Vintage: 2021 (Excellent balance and freshness).
2. Luxury Tasting Notes
Appearance: Bright yellow color with straw reflections, very clean.
Nose: Complex and suggestive. Notes of ripe white fruit (pear, apple), hints of aromatic herbs, fennel, and a subtle minerality reminiscent of chalk. Wood is present only as a whisper of fine spices.
Palate: Broad entry with texture. It possesses a vibrant acidity that runs through the palate, providing magnificent tension. The finish is long, slightly saline, and with an extraordinary fruity persistence.
3. Wine Architecture
4. Recommended Moments and Pairings
Signature Pairing: Due to its structure and acidity, it is ideal for baked fish, bacalao al pil-pil, seafood rice dishes, white meats (poultry), and aged sheep cheeses. It also harmonizes surprisingly well with Asian cuisine dishes with umami notes.
Suggested Moments:
- Business: A "weighty" and prestigious white for sophisticated corporate meals.
- Romantic Dinner: Elegance and complexity for a special evening.
- Summer: Perfect to enjoy at sunset, well chilled but allowing it to warm up to appreciate its evolution.
- Special Celebration: A distinctive choice for those looking to move beyond the conventional in Rioja.
- Gift: An impeccable gift for connoisseurs who value terroir whites.
- Family Meal: Ideal to accompany a large Sunday meal with roasted fish or poultry.
frequently asked questions (FAQS)
What does the use of concrete eggs contribute?
Concrete allows for micro-oxygenation similar to wood but without adding external aromas, which helps maintain fruit purity and accentuates the mineral sensation and volume on the palate.
Is it an organic wine?
Bodegas Exopto practices sustainable viticulture that respects the environment, avoiding herbicides and promoting vineyard biodiversity.
At what temperature should it be served?
It is recommended between 10°C and 12°C. It should not be served excessively cold to avoid masking its aromatic complexity.
