Vineyards and winemaking
Las Planas is an 11-hectare Viura vineyard planted in 1980 on the slopes of Monte Yerga. It is Real Agrado's highest site, where persistent northerly winds and a marked difference between daytime and night-time temperatures help the grapes retain aroma and acidity through ripening.
The hand-selected 2016 Viura matured for 24 months in French and American oak, followed by at least 16 months in bottle before release. Long élevage gives the wine depth and a creamy texture while the elevated vineyard supplies the freshness needed for graceful development.
Tasting notes
Appearance
Clear pale gold, gently deepened by bottle age.
Nose
Green apple and preserved lemon meet almond, dried chamomile, beeswax and a faint smoky, mineral note.
Palate
Layered and savoury, with citrus peel, orchard fruit and bitter herbs carried by vibrant acidity. Oak and bottle age have brought a supple texture and nutty complexity, yet the finish remains taut and unhurried. This is a mature white; serve cool rather than cold, open carefully and allow for natural bottle variation.
Food pairing
Excellent with smoked haddock fishcakes, roast chicken with bread sauce, grilled turbot, or buttered leeks with hazelnuts. Its savoury depth also works beautifully with a slice of Tunworth or another soft, earthy-rinded cheese.
Background story
Real Agrado created its Colección RaÃces to show individual estate vineyards rather than a blended picture of Rioja. Las Planas takes its name directly from the high, wind-exposed parcel and demonstrates the capacity of Viura to gain complexity through extended maturation.
The 2016 vintage received 97 points and Best in Show at the 2021 Decanter World Wine Awards. That recognition brought international attention to a quietly ambitious white Rioja built for the table and for patient bottle development.
