At a glance

Producer

Bodegas Remírez de Ganuza

Region

Rioja, Spain

Grape variety

Viura (majority), Malvasía

Wine type

White

Body

Light-bodied and Crisp

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$85-$110 USD per 750ml bottle

Tasting profile

Intense aromas of white peach, preserved lemon, almond blossom, honey, and subtle toasted oak. Palate is vibrant with bright acidity, creamy mid-palate, mineral undertones, savory herbs, and persistent finish.

Evolution: From youthful citrus/floral to more nutty, toasty, honeysuckle and dried apricot notes. Texture will become rounder yet more complex.

At peak: Peak shows exotic fruit, integrated oak, mature waxy notes, deep minerality, and silkiness. Complexity over sheer fruitiness.

Structure

Acidity

High (vivid, supporting long aging)

Tannins

Very low (white wine, subtle phenolic grip due to barrel aging)

Alcohol

Medium (13.5%)

Aging potential

10+ years for top vintages; 2016 will perform well through at least 2028 under proper storage.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2023 to 2026

Optimal window

2022 to 2028

Current status

Entering peak window

Current condition

The wine shows excellent freshness, balance, and developing complexity. Now drinking very well, with a few years left at its absolute peak before gently tapering.

Olagar is crafted for ageability with careful barrel fermentation and sur lie aging. The 2016 displays freshness and complexity typical of the top Viura-dominant Riojas, peaking around 8-12 years post-vintage before gently fading into richer secondary characteristics.

Food pairing

Ideal with lobster, grilled sea bass, turbot, poultry in cream sauces, roasted vegetables, Jamón Ibérico, or aged Manchego cheese.

Serving

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Hand harvesting, gravity-flow winery reducing mechanical inputs, water recycling in cellar operations, focus on minimal chemical interventions, selective use of new oak from sustainable cooperages.

Remírez de Ganuza has been a pioneer in sustainable viticulture within Rioja, prioritizing vineyard biodiversity, minimal intervention philosophy, and efficient winery architecture to reduce energy use. Packaging is conventional but with some recycled materials. While not certified organic or biodynamic, the estate’s established sustainable protocols and sensitive use of resources contribute positively, though international distribution increases total carbon output. Overall, the wine represents strong regional sustainability leadership, but not at the certified highest level.