Wines Rioja Luis Cañas - Viñas Viejas Blanco - 2023

Viniou Reviews

Luis Cañas Viñas Viejas Blanco 2023 is a distinguished white Rioja that showcases the complexity and character of old vines from this iconic Spanish region. This cuvée represents a blend of several indigenous grape varieties, typically including Viura (also known as Macabeo), Malvasía, and sometimes Garnacha Blanca, all sourced from mature vineyards — "viñas viejas" — which contribute intensity and concentration. The 2023 vintage benefits from careful, selective hand-harvesting and a vinification process that often involves partial fermentation or brief ageing in oak, lending subtle creaminess and nuance without masking the wine’s intrinsic freshness. Aromatically, anticipate notes of white peach, citrus blossom, and hints of fennel and toasted almond, with a palate that balances ripe fruit with lively acidity and a persistent mineral finish.

La Rioja is renowned not only for its iconic reds but increasingly for its expressive whites. The region enjoys a continental climate with Atlantic influences, ensuring warm days and cool nights which help preserve acidity and aromatic intensity in the grapes. Soils here are typically a mix of clay, limestone and alluvial deposits, providing excellent drainage and a mineral undercurrent to the wines. Rioja’s long tradition of winemaking dates back centuries, with white styles seeing a renaissance in recent years as producers invest in old vines and careful vinification techniques to express the identity of these historic terroirs.

This Viñas Viejas Blanco pairs beautifully with a range of dishes thanks to its versatility and structure. It shines alongside Spanish classics such as bacalao al pil-pil (cod in olive oil and garlic emulsion), gambas a la plancha, or a simple tortilla española. Further afield, try it with roasted poultry, seafood risotto, or creamy goat’s cheese. Its balance also makes it suitable for lightly spiced Thai or Vietnamese cuisine.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this Rioja Blanco chilled but not too cold, ideally between 8 and 10°C. Decanting for thirty minutes can help open up the subtle aromatics, especially if young. This wine will develop further complexity over the next few years, so feel free to cellar a few bottles if you have the patience.