Sierra de Tolono Rioja Blanco 2024 750ml
Experience the unique essence of the Toloño Mountains in every sip of Sierra de Toloño Rioja Blanco 2024. Sourced from organically farmed vines at over 600 meters elevation, this wine reflects Sandra Bravo's mission to show a lighter, more terroir-driven side of Rioja. No oak, no heaviness—just clean, honest fruit and a cool-climate edge that embodies the vibrant spirit of the Toloño Mountains.
Sandra Bravo - Artisanal Winemaker
High up in the foothills of the Sierra de Toloño, in Rioja Alavesa, Sandra Bravo works in some of the oldest and highest altitude vineyards in Rioja. This young winemaker translates the mountainous landscape into pure and expressive wines in her small winery in Villabuena de Álava, where she works with steel, anforas, and old wood.
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International Experience
"I was studying Engineering and Enology in Rioja and then I was working in wineries of Bordeaux, Tuscany, New Zealand and California. When I came back to Spain, I spent 7 years in Priorat. All that experience gave me an open point of view to make different wines here in Rioja (where I come from). I have to say Priorat really influenced me to make artisanal wines, and to understand that the most important is the vineyard, the vineyard with soul."
Rioja Alavesa Terroir
"When I came back to Rioja in 2012, I decided to make wines respecting what the vineyard give and always looking for freshness. I was in love with this area in Rioja Alavesa, calcareous soil, small plots, Mediterranean herbs and always North wind with high altitude (right in the mountain that gives my name's project: Sierra de Toloño)... it was perfect! Because all of this my wines are really mineral."
Organically Farmed High-Altitude Vineyards
Sourced from organically farmed vines at over 600 meters elevation. The grapes are meticulously harvested from vineyards nestled in the Toloño Mountains, where optimal sunlight and fresh temperatures allow for perfect ripeness. These are some of the oldest and highest altitude vineyards in Rioja.
2024 Vintage Profile
The 2024 vintage delivers vibrant aromas of lemon peel, white peach, and wild herbs, with a palate that's crisp and zesty, underpinned by saline minerality and firm acidity. This vintage showcases the lighter, more terroir-driven side of Rioja that Sandra Bravo champions.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Pale gold with green reflections
Aroma: Vibrant aromas of lemon peel, white peach, and wild herbs. Lively citrus notes with Mediterranean herbs
Palate: Crisp and zesty, underpinned by saline minerality and firm acidity. Clean, honest fruit with cool-climate edge. Balanced acidity with subtle minerality
Finish: Refreshing finish with lingering minerality
No Oak, No Heaviness
No oak, no heaviness—just clean, honest fruit and a cool-climate edge. The winery employs techniques to preserve the natural flavors and aromas of the grapes, ensuring a pure expression of the terroir without oak influence or heavy winemaking intervention.
Calcareous Soil & Minerality
The calcareous soil of Rioja Alavesa creates the distinctive mineral character that defines these wines. "Because all of this my wines are really mineral," Sandra explains. Each sip reveals the influence of the limestone-rich soils and mountainous terroir.
Cool-Climate Freshness
Sandra's mission is to show a lighter, more terroir-driven side of Rioja, always looking for freshness. The high altitude, North wind, and cool climate create wines with vibrant acidity and refreshing character that set them apart from traditional oaked Rioja whites.
Small Plots & Micro-Terroirs
She harvests multiple varieties from micro-terroirs over many small plots that together form a fresh, beautiful image of the area. This approach allows each vineyard site to contribute its unique character to the final blend.
Vineyard with Soul
"I have to say Priorat really influenced me to make artisanal wines, and to understand that the most important is the vineyard, the vineyard with soul." This philosophy guides every decision in the vineyard and winery, creating wines of authenticity and character.
Steel, Anforas & Old Wood
In her small winery in Villabuena de Álava, Sandra works with steel, anforas, and old wood. This combination of traditional and modern vessels allows her to craft wines that honor tradition while expressing contemporary vision.
Mediterranean Herbs & North Wind
The area features Mediterranean herbs and always North wind with high altitude. These elements combine to create a unique microclimate that imparts distinctive aromatic complexity and freshness to the wines.
Pure & Expressive Wines
This young winemaker translates the mountainous landscape into pure and expressive wines. Each bottle captures the essence of the Sierra de Toloño, offering an honest expression of place and vintage.
Food Pairing Suggestions
The Sierra de Toloño Rioja Blanco 2024 is an excellent partner for a wide range of dishes:
- Grilled fish and seafood
- Fresh salads with citrus vinaigrette
- Creamy risottos
- Light pasta dishes
- Goat cheese and soft cheeses
- Tapas and Spanish cuisine
- Shellfish and oysters
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled to unlock its full potential. The crisp acidity and vibrant flavors make it ideal for summer gatherings or quiet evenings at home. Whether you're hosting or enjoying a casual meal, this wine enhances the experience.
Respecting What the Vineyard Gives
"When I came back to Rioja in 2012, I decided to make wines respecting what the vineyard give." This philosophy of minimal intervention and respect for terroir creates wines that are authentic expressions of their origin.
Rioja Reimagined
Sandra Bravo's international experience gave her "an open point of view to make different wines here in Rioja." The result is a fresh, modern interpretation of Rioja Blanco that showcases the region's potential for elegant, terroir-driven white wines.
Perfect for Every Occasion
This wine is not just a wine; it's an invitation to indulge in culinary exploration. Let the refreshing taste of the Toloño Mountains elevate your meals. Discover the magic of pairing with this exceptional white wine, and find yourself enchanted with every sip.
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