Bodega Contador, Predicador Blanco 2022 (52% Viura, 28% Garnacha Blanca, 20% Malvasía)

Bodega Contador, founded by Benjamin Romeo, is one of Rioja’s most prestigious wineries, known for producing terroir-driven wines that combine tradition with innovation. While the estate is best known for its world-class Tempranillo, its white wines are equally compelling, offering complexity, elegance, and a strong sense of place. Predicador Blanco 2022 is a beautifully crafted blend of Viura, Garnacha Blanca, and Malvasía, showcasing a fresh yet textured expression of white Rioja.

The vineyards are located in the high-altitude areas of Rioja, where cooler temperatures allow for slow ripening, preserving acidity and aromatic intensity. The soils, a mix of limestone and clay, provide structure and minerality. Each variety is vinified separately, with fermentation and ageing taking place in a combination of oak barrels and concrete eggs to enhance complexity while maintaining freshness. The result is a layered, expressive white wine with both vibrancy and depth.

Appearance Pale gold with bright straw reflections and a slight greenish hue at the rim. The wine’s clarity and luminosity suggest freshness, while its delicate viscosity hints at a smooth, textured mouthfeel.

Aroma Elegant and layered, with aromas of ripe pear, white peach, and lemon zest. Floral hints of jasmine and orange blossom emerge, followed by subtle notes of toasted almonds, vanilla, and wet stone. A faint touch of honey and fennel adds further complexity, making the nose both fresh and intriguing.

Taste Balanced and textured, with a vibrant acidity that lifts the ripe orchard fruit flavours of golden apple, quince, and melon. The mid-palate reveals delicate notes of citrus, brioche, and a touch of salinity, giving the wine a refined mineral edge. The careful oak ageing is well-integrated, adding depth without overpowering the freshness of the fruit.

Finish Long and elegant, with lingering notes of citrus zest, toasted hazelnut, and a hint of vanilla. The acidity keeps the wine bright and lively, while the subtle creaminess from lees ageing adds a beautifully polished texture. A final whisper of herbal and mineral notes provides a sophisticated and lasting impression.

Food Pairing Grilled sea bass with lemon and herbs enhances the wine’s fresh acidity and delicate minerality, creating a beautifully balanced pairing. A creamy seafood risotto with saffron highlights its texture and richness, complementing both the fruit and the subtle oak influence