2024 Abuelo Cayo Tempranillo Blanco

100% dry farmed and organic (uncertified) Tempranillo Blanco from vineyards with a high concentration of clay, iron, limestone, and many stones at 1,600’ to 2,300 elevation. 1-day cold maceration, 12 days cold fermentation of the clear must in small stainless barrels. 13.9% alcohol. 

This medium-bodied wine has notes of tropical fruits, florals, and green apple that are met with a bit of minerality and a long finish. Pair with seafood paella, manchego cheese, and spicy curry.

Bodegas Quiroga de Pablo is located in the village of Azofra, within Rioja Alta. Founded in 1850 and now in its 6th generation, the estate is run by Juan Luis, Diego, and Maite. The original bodega was built in a 25 - 35 feet underground cellar and continues to be used in the production and aging of the wines.  This is the family that first found and propagated the Tempranillo Blanco grape. Much like Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris, Tempranillo Blanco came about by a random mutation on one single vine. As the story goes, winegrower Jesus Galilea Esteban was walking through an old Tempranillo vineyard in 1988 when he noticed one vine that had several clusters of black Tempranillo grapes and one lonely bunch of white grapes. He called the CIDA (Center for Agricultural Research and Development in Spain) and they came by, took cuttings, and propagated the new vine. By 1993 there were 100 Tempranillo Blanco plants. Today, there are tens of thousands, all of which stem from this one single mutation.