Tondeluna White 2023
Tondeluna White 2023 is a crisp Spanish white wine from the Rioja region, artfully blended from 95% Viura and 5% Sauvignon Blanc. This fresh and aromatic white wine captures the essence of modern Rioja winemaking. From the first pour, it delights with a pale straw-yellow hue and bright fruit aromas. Each sip balances zesty freshness with a smooth finish, embodying the character of a quality Rioja wine that’s perfect for warm days or elegant dinners alike. In the sections below, discover the tasting notes, winemaking process, and food pairing ideas that make Tondeluna White 2023 stand out among Spanish wine offerings.
Tasting Notes: Aroma & Flavor
On the nose, Tondeluna White 2023 greets you with lively citrus and orchard fruit aromas. Expect notes of ripe pear and zesty lemon, with a hint of green apple in the background. These bright fruit scents are intertwined with subtle floral touches (think of orange blossom or jasmine), thanks to the aromatic Sauvignon Blanc in the blend. On the palate, this white wine is dry and balanced. It opens with juicy citrus and stone-fruit flavors – you might notice flavors of peach and apricot complementing the initial pear and lemon. Mid-palate, a delicate minerality emerges, bringing a crisp, clean character. The mouthfeel is medium-bodied yet refreshing, with Viura grapes providing a rounded texture. The finish is long and subtle, leaving a whisper of fruit and a light floral aftertaste. Overall, the wine’s aroma and flavor profile is vibrant and fruit-forward, making it both aromatic and fresh with every sip.
Origin & Vinification – Rioja Terroir and Winemaking
Tondeluna White 2023 originates from the renowned Rioja wine region in northern Spain. The grapes are sourced from the “El Bujed” vineyard area, reflecting the authentic terroir of Rioja. The climate of warm days and cool nights in this region helped the 2023 vintage grapes achieve excellent ripeness while preserving acidity. In the winery, a modern approach to vinification is used to highlight fruit purity and freshness. The two varietals – Viura and Sauvignon Blanc – are harvested separately at optimal ripeness (the Sauvignon Blanc grapes are picked about two weeks earlier than the Viura to capture their bright character). The grapes are gently pressed upon arrival at the winery, and the juice is clarified using a natural flotation method with pea protein. This careful clarification (which avoids animal products) also makes the wine vegan-friendly, aligning with modern winemaking practices.
Fermentation is carried out in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve delicate aromas. Each grape variety ferments on its own: Sauvignon Blanc at a cool 12–14 °C and Viura at 14–16 °C. This cool fermentation process ensures that the fresh fruit flavors and floral nuances are retained in the finished wine. After around 19 days, the wines are gently racked and then blended (the final coupage combines 95% Viura with 5% Sauvignon Blanc). The young wine is stabilized and lightly fined with bentonite and pea protein to achieve clarity.
Notably, no oak aging is applied – Tondeluna White 2023 is kept in stainless steel, which means it does not carry heavy oak or vanilla flavors. This winemaking choice lets the Viura and Sauvignon Blanc fruit characters shine brightly. The first bottling took place in January following the harvest, ensuring the wine reached the bottle in peak freshness. The result is an aromatic Rioja white wine that truly reflects its vintage and origin: fruity, clean, and vibrant.
Recommended Serving & Storage
To enjoy Tondeluna White at its best, serve it well-chilled. 8–10 °C (46–50 °F) is an ideal serving temperature, as it accentuates the wine’s crisp citrus notes and floral aromatics. Use a regular white wine glass to allow those aromas to gather and enhance the tasting experience. This wine is designed to be enjoyed young and fresh.
The 2023 vintage is drinking beautifully now, so there’s no need for extended cellaring. If you have a few bottles, you can drink them over the next year or two while the wine is at peak vibrancy. Once opened, keep the bottle on ice or in a wine cooler to maintain the chill. Every glass should taste as refreshing as the first. With its screwcap closure (for convenience and freshness) and 12% ABV, this wine is easy-going yet refined – perfect for casual sipping or as an aperitif before a meal.
Food Pairing: Seafood, Fish & More
One of the highlights of Tondeluna White 2023 is how well it pairs with food – especially seafood and fish. In fact, this wine was practically made for a seafood pairing. The clean acidity and citrus notes make it an excellent companion to all kinds of seafood dishes. Enjoy it with grilled fish (such as seabass or sardines) or try it alongside shrimp scampi, oysters, or a classic Spanish paella de mariscos (seafood paella). The wine’s bright lemony character will accentuate the sweetness of fresh seafood, and its mineral finish echoes the ocean’s brininess, creating a harmonious pairing.
Beyond shellfish and fish, Tondeluna White 2023 also pairs wonderfully with light meats and vegetarian fare. It’s delightful with roast chicken or turkey breast, where the wine’s acidity can cut through richer sauces or seasonings. For vegetarian options, consider a goat cheese salad, grilled vegetables drizzled with olive oil, or a creamy risotto. The fruity notes and balanced profile of this white Rioja complement herbaceous and creamy elements nicely.
Thanks to its medium body, the wine is versatile – it’s as comfortable with a simple lemon-garlic grilled fish as it is with a more complex dish like Thai green curry or sushi. In essence, if you’re planning a seafood and fish dinner, or just looking for a great white wine to sip with appetizers, Tondeluna White is a reliable choice. (Serving tip: pour this wine fresh from the fridge and keep the bottle on ice on the table to maintain its refreshing chill.)
Why Choose?
Tondeluna White 2023 offers a compelling mix of quality, authenticity, and value that makes it stand out among other white wines in its class. Here are a few reasons wine enthusiasts and casual sippers alike will appreciate this bottle:
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Authentic Rioja Character: This wine is a genuine product of Rioja, Spain’s famous wine region. It embodies the spirit of a modern Rioja wine, showcasing the region’s primary white grape (Viura) with a fresh twist from Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a great introduction to Spanish white wine for those more familiar with Rioja reds, highlighting how vibrant and delightful Rioja’s whites can be.
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Aromatic & Fresh Profile: Crafted to emphasize aroma and freshness, the wine bursts with fruity and floral notes. With no heavy oak influence, you get pure expressions of pear, citrus, and peach in the glass. Each sip is lively yet smooth, making it an aromatic white wine that is both refreshing and memorable.
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2023 Vintage Excellence: The 2023 growing season provided ideal conditions in Rioja, resulting in high-quality grapes. That vintage strength comes through in the balance of ripeness and acidity in the wine. You’ll taste the ripe fruit of a sunny vintage along with the crisp structure that makes the wine so food-friendly. At 12% ABV, it’s nicely balanced – flavorful without being overpowering.
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Expert Winemaking (Vegan-Friendly): Tondeluna White is made by Bodegas Vallemayor, a respected family winery in Rioja known for blending traditional knowledge with modern techniques. The careful vinification process (cool fermentation, gentle handling, early bottling) ensures quality in every bottle. The use of pea protein for clarifying means the wine is vegan-friendly, reflecting a commitment to contemporary, natural winemaking methods.
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Versatile Pairing & Occasion: Thanks to its bright profile, this wine is incredibly versatile. It shines as a seafood-pairing wine, elevating dishes from the sea, but it’s equally enjoyable on its own or with an array of appetizers. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue with grilled fish, enjoying a casual weeknight dinner, or celebrating a special occasion, Tondeluna White 2023 fits right in. It’s approachable for casual wine drinkers yet interesting enough for seasoned enthusiasts.
By choosing Tondeluna White 2023, you’re selecting a wine that delivers the best of modern Rioja – a delightful Spanish white wine experience at an excellent value. Its combination of refreshing taste, regional authenticity, and food-friendly nature makes it a smart pick for your wine collection.
If you’re interested in exploring further, feel free to browse our other selections. For instance, check out our range of white wines for more crisp and aromatic options. Fans of Rioja might also enjoy other Rioja wines like Tondeluna’s own red counterpart or similar Spanish whites that showcase the region’s flair. And if you love pairing wine with seafood, don’t miss our curated selection of seafood-pairing wines to find the perfect bottle for your next ocean-inspired meal. Tondeluna White 2023 is a fantastic starting point – a fresh, aromatic Rioja white that’s ready to impress your palate. Cheers to your next great wine discovery!
