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Description

Gómez Cruzado Montes Obarenes Selección Terroir 2022 is a masterful expression of high-altitude Rioja white winemaking. Crafted by one of the oldest and most respected bodegas in the historic Barrio de la Estación in Haro, this wine is a sophisticated blend predominantly featuring Viura and Tempranillo Blanco, with smaller contributions from Malvasía, Garnacha Blanca, and Calagraño. The fruit is sourced from chalky, clay-limestone soils at the foot of the Sierra Cantabria, where the influence of the Montes Obarenes provides a unique microclimate that imparts both precision and power to the grapes.

What sets this wine apart is the meticulous artisanal approach in the cellar. Following a hand-harvest and careful selection, the wine undergoes fermentation and aging on its fine lees for 12 months, split between new French oak barrels and ovoid concrete tanks. This dual-vessel aging imparts a seamless, creamy texture while preserving the vibrant, crystalline fruit profile. On the nose, it is exceptionally expressive and nuanced, weaving together notes of smoke, pollen, toasted cereal, and spices with a core of crisp white and stone fruits. On the palate, it strikes an impeccable balance; it is full-bodied and structured, yet retains a characteristic Rioja elegance and a persistent, refreshing acidity that makes it incredibly savory.

This is a serious white wine with significant aging potential, perfect for those who appreciate the complexity usually reserved for fine Burgundies but with a distinct Spanish soul. It is an ideal companion for high-end gastronomy. Pair it with creamy, sophisticated dishes such as butter-poached lobster, roasted white meats with truffle, or aged sheep’s milk cheeses like Manchego. Whether enjoyed now for its vibrant aromatic intensity or cellared for another 5–8 years to allow for even greater development of its tertiary notes, the Montes Obarenes 2022 is a testament to the renaissance of white Rioja.