El Coto, Rioja Blanco (Spain) 2012

($12, Frederick Wildman): Rioja Blanco — yes, you read that correctly.  Though 95% of wine in Spain’s famed Rioja region is red, a small — and shrinking — amount of Viura is planted as growers replace that white grape with Tempranillo.  This bargain-priced wine is one to grab and hope El Coto continues to find suppliers.   Clean and bright, it delivers a hint of spiciness that balances its body.  It would be a good choice for roast chicken or sautéed fish.
88 Michael Apstein Dec 9, 2014