Pale straw-yellow in color. On the nose, fresh citrus notes emerge, accompanied by hints of fennel that add complexity and character. On the palate, it stands out for its tension and linearity, with a pronounced acidity that brings freshness and length. Its saline profile, along with mineral nuances reminiscent of flint, gives it strong personality and makes it particularly appealing. The finish is long and precise, leaving a fresh and elegant impression. Despite coming from a very young vineyard, it shows remarkable aging potential and great capacity for evolution.
Bárbara Palacios
2023 Valtracones Garnacha blanca
630 bottles
In 2020, we decided to plant this vineyard as bush-trained vines, seeking higher altitude and the potential to produce a fine white wine. The chosen variety, Garnacha Blanca, was selected for its adaptability and affinity with our limestone-rich soils.
Tasting note
2023 VINTAGE
The autumn of 2022 was marked by exceptionally warm temperatures in Rioja Alta, which favored proper reserve accumulation in the vines. This was followed by an especially wet January, which helped restore soil moisture and ensured an optimal start to the vegetative cycle. However, spring was characterized by unusually warm and dry conditions, followed by a summer of high temperatures and scarce rainfall.
The final week of August proved particularly challenging, with several days approaching 40°C, generating water stress and slowing down the ripening process. Despite these conditions, the absence of rainfall contributed to excellent vineyard health and allowed for the production of highly concentrated, high-quality grapes. The main challenge of the vintage was to preserve balance and freshness, resulting in wines that are intense, expressive, and with notable aging potential.
The final week of August proved particularly challenging, with several days approaching 40°C, generating water stress and slowing down the ripening process. Despite these conditions, the absence of rainfall contributed to excellent vineyard health and allowed for the production of highly concentrated, high-quality grapes. The main challenge of the vintage was to preserve balance and freshness, resulting in wines that are intense, expressive, and with notable aging potential.
2023 HARVEST
The grapes were harvested at the end of September, with the picking date brought slightly forward to preserve tension, aromatic freshness, and balanced acidity. Harvesting was carried out by hand in small boxes, with careful cluster selection in the vineyard. After destemming, the grapes underwent a 24-hour skin maceration to enhance aromatic expression.
They were then gently pressed in a vertical stainless steel press. After 24 hours, static settling was performed, and the must fermented under controlled conditions at 16°C. Once fermentation was complete, the wine was aged for 10 months in a 500 L French oak barrel (fifth use), with fortnightly bâtonnage of the lees to build volume and complexity. Prior to bottling, the wine was racked, clarified to ensure stability, and rested for an additional three months on its fine lees, refining its texture and balance.
They were then gently pressed in a vertical stainless steel press. After 24 hours, static settling was performed, and the must fermented under controlled conditions at 16°C. Once fermentation was complete, the wine was aged for 10 months in a 500 L French oak barrel (fifth use), with fortnightly bâtonnage of the lees to build volume and complexity. Prior to bottling, the wine was racked, clarified to ensure stability, and rested for an additional three months on its fine lees, refining its texture and balance.