Capitán Fanegas is the personal project of Mario Ruiz-Clavijo from the historic Bodegas Marques de Arviza in Rioja. The philosophy behind the Capitan Fanegas wines is to make single vineyard expressions of Rioja that refelct and express the sites they come from. The wines are vinos de author; unique representations that are true to the Rioja style. Mario interferes as little as possible during the vinification process and believes these are vinos de guarda, wines that are meant to age.

The Capitán Fanegas La Unión Blanco is a blend of 70% Viura, 20% Malvasia and 10% Garnacha Blanca from two estate vineyards located at an elevation of 650 meters in La Unión: La Muela (old bush vines planted in 1964 on calcareous clay soil), and El Paleton (bush vines planted in 1997 on red clay soils with lot of pebbles). The grapes are fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged in oak barrels for 6 months with weekly bâttonage (lees stirring) to impart a rich texture, followed by 4 months in concrete; the wine does not go through malolactic fermentation, instead preserving an extra layer of freshness. Light gold color with brilliant lemon reflections. On the nose, aromas of wild flowers, tropical fruits, honeysuckle, savory herbs and discrete oak spice plume from the glass. The palate is richly textured from the bâtonnage, though impeccably balanced by a lithe acidity. Fleshy fruit flavors alongside beeswax, confit lemons and subtle oak notes flow into an elegant, refined and persistent finish. You can drink now, though I think this would age and develop beautifully over the next 5-10 years. This is an exceptional value in white Rioja: A wine that showcases the freshness, drinkability and versatility of the wines while also delivering complexity and power. Enjoy with a plate of Jamón Serrano with almonds and salt cod croquettes; braised vegetable dishes; or hake with garlic and clams.