Vina Monty Viura: A White Wine That Defies Rioja's Red Dominance

Here’s what you need to know: In a region synonymous with bold reds, this white wine is a revelation. Bodegas Montecillo’s Vina Monty Viura isn’t just another entry in Rioja’s vast red wine catalog—it’s a rare white that’s rewriting the script. Madeline Maldonado, sommelier at Ci Siamoin, calls it a “game-changer” for dinner parties, proving that even in a land obsessed with Tempranillo, there’s room for elegance and complexity in white.

This wine isn’t just about defying expectations; it’s about terroir and technique. Made from old vines and aged in French oak, it balances richness with freshness. Notes of almond, marzipan, and quince mingle with a crisp grapefruit acidity, while a subtle mineral backbone ties it to Rioja’s volcanic soil. It’s the kind of wine that feels both rooted in tradition and forward-thinking, a bridge between Old World refinement and New World boldness. Maldonado calls it “opulent yet elegant”—a rare combination that makes it stand out in a crowded market.

Pairing-wise, it’s a chameleon. It carries everything from Iberico ham and crab cakes to roasted chicken and Thai coconut curry. Its versatility isn’t just about flavor harmony—it’s about texture. The wine’s weight and acidity cut through fatty dishes, while its minerality lifts lighter fare. It’s a wine that adapts, not just to food, but to mood. Whether you’re serving Spanish classics or global fusion, it’s a match made in heaven.

The key? This isn’t just a wine for connoisseurs. It’s for anyone who wants a drink that speaks to both tradition and innovation. At $65, it’s a splurge, but one that pays off in every sip.