# Nahikun Bianco (2023)

- **Producer:** Sierra de Toloño
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Viura, Calagraño, Rojal, Garnacha Blanca, Malvasia
- **Region:** Rioja, Spain
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 11.5%
- **Average price:** €28
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 8–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** pear, grapefruit, lemon, peach, blossom, biscuit, honey, almond

## About this wine

Sierra de Toloño Nahikun Bianco 2023 is a white wine from Rioja Alavesa, Spain, produced by Sierra de Toloño. It is a field blend crafted from grapes grown in old vineyards, some exceeding 80 years, located at high altitudes (630-680 meters) on calcareous clay and limestone soils. The producer, Sandra Bravo, focuses on expressing the land and climate through minimal intervention winemaking. The 2023 vintage reflects an early harvest, contributing to its freshness and moderate alcohol content.

## Interesting facts

- A 'field blend' means grapes are planted and harvested together from old vines.
- Vineyards are over 80 years old and sit at 630-680 meters altitude.
- Winemaker Sandra Bravo was named 'Young Winemaker of the Year' by Tim Atkin MW.
- The wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered.

## Food pairing

The wine's vibrant acidity and freshness cut through richer elements in seafood and sauces, while its subtle minerality complements the briny notes of shellfish. Delicate herbal or citrus elements in dishes can echo or contrast with the wine's inherent characteristics.

## Wine making process

The Sierra de Toloño Nahikun Bianco 2023 is produced from a field blend of grapes harvested by hand from old, high-altitude vineyards. Following a cold soak to preserve fruit freshness, the grapes undergo spontaneous fermentation in seasoned 500-liter oak barrels, chosen for texture rather than aroma. The wine is then aged for eight months in neutral oak barrels. It is bottled without fining or filtration, reflecting a commitment to minimal intervention and the expression of the vineyard's natural character. Some winemaking also utilizes amphorae.