2019 Moraza Las Tasugueras Tempranillo Blanco

WINEMAKER: Janire Moraza
REGION: Rioja, SP
VARIETAL: Tempranillo
VITICULTURE: Certified Organic

"Only 7% of Rioja’s land under vine are white grapes. The majority of this is Viura, known as Macabeo / Macabeu if you were in Catalunya or France.⁠

Tempranillo Blanco was first identified in 1988, a natural genetic mutation from red Tempranillo. A grower near Murillo del Rio Leza in La Rioja noticed that one particular cluster, instead of turning Tempranillo’s trademark midnight blue, was golden-green following veraison. Intrigue had the grower take it to Spain’s Center for Agricultural Research and Development where scientists began further study by propagating it. From experimental plantings in the mid 90’s, it was accepted by the Rioja Regulatory council in 2007.⁠ From the Las Tasugueras plot, this is the first release of Tempranillo Blanco from Moraza.

Layers of stone fruit with floral notes. Wonderful length, a wine that keeps giving with salivating freshness. The perfect accompaniment to spring food and a wonderful new addition to the Moraza range."

Bodegas Moraza is an insight into the history of Rioja, but more importantly into its future. For six generations the Moraza family have grown grapes and produced wine in the village of San Vicente de la Sonsierra, but in 2011 when Janire Moraza took over, change occurred. Having spent time abroad studying, Janire saw the changes occurring in wine agriculture around the world as well as a desire from consumers for more digestible wines. Upon returning home she convinced her father and uncle to convert completely to organic farming and seek new opportunities exporting their wine. Until then all wine had been sold in Spain. The village of San Vicente de la Sonsierra, is located in Rioja Alta, high above the Ebro river, the vineyards sitting at the base of the Cantabrian and Toloño Mountain ranges. With altitude between 450 – 650 meters, the climate is dry and cool, influenced by the Atlantic, Mediterranean and Cantabrian seas. This helps keep the grapes disease free with the vineyards have good airflow between the vines. The soils are composed of clay and limestone.