Now here's a tale... Back in 1988 a grower in Rioja (Murillo de Rio Leza if you're interested) noticed one vine amongst his rows of Tempranillo producing white grapes instead of red.  This was a bit of a "chin-stroker" for the local authorities but after much deliberation, research and testing the Consejo Regulador of Rioja accepted that this was a natural mutation of red Tempranillo that had turned white and approved it for the production of Rioja.  This was not without precedent since white mutations of Pinot Noir and Garnacha had already been recognised.  Bodegas Ontanon picked up the metaphorical ball and ran with it making their first vintage in 2016.  So, here you go.  Probably a first for you (certainly for me).  A white Rioja with a difference - made from Tempranillo Blanco.

On the nose it's very distinctive with element of pear and pineapple.  The fermenting juice is left on the lees for 4 months to pick up the distinctive character of the variety and the palate is one of tangy stone fruit with a savoury, even saline, element which would be perfect with food.  I'm thinking fried fish/seafood, roast chicken or a colourful paella.