Gomez Cruzado's Blanco '2 Ano' is an old term used in Spain to refer to whites released in their second year, as they benefit from longer ageing. This has a Burgundian style which reflects the land, rather than purely varietal expression. The resulting wine has character and weight whilst retaining fresh acidity and appealing aromatics.
The Viura and Tempranillo Blanco grapes are harvested from a single plot, slightly sloping, in a high altitude area of Haro. The soil is stony alluvial - with pebbles on the surface and limestone below. The vines are low yielding, and harvesting is by hand into 200kg crates. The grapes are hand-sorted at the winery then lightly pressed (around half the stems are included) and spontaneous fermentation occurs. Alcoholic fermentation is in stainless steel at 16ºC, then half the wine spends 5 months in French oak (not roasted, steam bending) with its lees and half is aged with lees in concrete. The parts are then blended and bottled.
Gomez Cruzado's Blanco '2 Ano' wine is poised with a complex nose. Notes of honeysuckle, stone fruit and gentle toasty oak. The palate is beautifully textured, with an almost exotic note, evident yet perfectly integrated oak and ripe fruit. Complex and with a long toasty, citrus finish. Roast chicken and pasta dishes with creamy sauces are amazing with this fabulous white!
Country: Spain
Region: Rioja
Grapes: Viura 75%, Tempranillo Blanco 25%
ABV: 13.5%
Volume: 75cl
Vintage: 2022
Suitable for Vegetarians: No
Suitable for Vegans: No
Awards: 2021 Vintage: The Wine Merchant Top 100 2023 - Top 100
Gómez Cruzado Rioja Blanco 2 Año 2019: “David González blends Viura with 25% Tempranillo Blanco to make this cement and barrel-aged white from the Rioja Alavesa and the area around Haro. Tangy, fresh and focused, with subtle oak, a hint of flinty reduction and flavours of lemongrass and white peach.” 92pts Tim Atkin MW ‘Rioja 2022 Special Report’ (February ‘22)
