Hacienda Lopez de Haro Blanc

Hacienda Lopez de Haro Blanc is a 100% Viura white wine from Rioja Alta, Spain, bottled at 12.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. This barrel-aged white Rioja has earned Silver at the International Wine & Spirit Competition, distinguishing itself through vineyard altitude and time spent in French oak—uncommon treatments for an accessibly priced Viura.

Quick Facts: ABV: 12.5%  |  Origin: Rioja Alta, Spain  |  Varietal: 100% Viura  |  Oak Aging: 3–4 months in French oak

Production & Heritage

The grapes for this white Rioja are sourced from vineyard plots in Badarán, situated in the Upper Najerilla Valley at over 600 meters above sea level—a notable altitude that contributes to cooler growing conditions and retained acidity in the finished wine. The soils are iron-rich clay, and roughly half the fruit comes from old vines, predominantly Viura with some Malvasía. After harvest, the grapes undergo a 24-hour maceration followed by light pressing and controlled fermentation in small vats. The wine then rests for three to four months in French oak barrels, adding subtle structure without overwhelming the primary fruit character.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with ripe peach and mango, layered with lemon zest and a faint musk. Beneath the fruit, subtle barrel-derived nuances of dates and banana emerge as the wine opens in the glass.

Taste: On entry, the palate is fresh and fleshy, with ripe stone fruit and tropical notes taking the lead. Mid-palate, crisp acidity provides lift, while the French oak influence adds a gentle roundness. The wine is medium-bodied with enough weight to feel substantial without heaviness.

Finish: The finish is long and balanced, trailing lemon and mango alongside a mouthfeel that combines a slight oiliness with fine, chalky minerality. It closes cleanly, leaving a pleasant and lingering aftertaste.

How to Drink Lopez de Haro Blanc

Serve chilled to around 8–10°C (46–50°F) to let the oak nuances complement rather than mask the fruit. This wine works well on its own as an aperitif or alongside food. Try it in a White Rioja Spritz—the barrel character stands up to a splash of soda and citrus garnish. It also pairs naturally with a classic Rebujito, where the Viura's acidity and stone-fruit notes add depth to the traditional Spanish summer drink. For a more structured cocktail, use it in a White Sangría, where the mango and peach aromatics amplify fresh fruit additions.

Best For

• Introducing someone to the world of barrel-aged white Rioja
• Summer entertaining with Spanish-inspired seafood menus
• A thoughtful hostess gift for wine-curious friends
• Building a comparative tasting flight of Rioja Blanco styles

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Lopez de Haro Blanc taste like? It delivers ripe peach, mango, and lemon flavors with crisp acidity and a subtle oak-derived roundness. The finish is long, balanced, and tinged with fine chalky minerality.

How does Lopez de Haro Blanc compare to CVNE Monopole Blanco? Both are Viura-based white Riojas with barrel influence, but Lopez de Haro Blanc spends a shorter time in oak (three to four months in French oak), resulting in a fruitier, more immediately approachable style. CVNE Monopole typically sees longer aging, producing a more oxidative, nutty profile.

Is Lopez de Haro Blanc good for beginners? Yes—its bright fruit character and moderate oak influence make it an excellent entry point for anyone exploring barrel-aged white wines from Rioja. The 12.5% ABV keeps it light and approachable.

Where is Lopez de Haro Blanc made? The wine is produced in San Vicente de la Sonsierra in Rioja Alta, Spain, using grapes from high-altitude vineyards in Badarán in the Upper Najerilla Valley, planted at over 600 meters above sea level.

What foods pair well with Lopez de Haro Blanc? Grilled white fish benefits from the wine's acidity and stone-fruit notes. Gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp) plays off the subtle oak and citrus finish. Manchego cheese at a young to semi-cured stage echoes the wine's creamy mouthfeel. Chicken paella matches its medium body and tropical fruit. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette mirrors the bright acidity.

What sizes does Lopez de Haro Blanc come in? The standard bottling is 750ml, which is the most widely available format.

Is Lopez de Haro Blanc worth the price? It positions as an entry-level to mid-range white Rioja, and the inclusion of French oak aging and high-altitude old-vine fruit at this tier represents strong value relative to many barrel-aged white Riojas that command significantly higher prices.

Why Lopez de Haro Blanc?

What separates this wine from the crowded field of Spanish white wines is the combination of old-vine Viura from 600-meter-altitude clay soils and deliberate but restrained French oak aging. An IWSC Silver medal validates the quality behind the approach. Where many inexpensive white Riojas skip barrel time entirely—or over-oak to compensate for thin fruit—Lopez de Haro Blanc strikes a balance: the oak adds structure and complexity, while the high-altitude fruit retains the acidity and freshness that keep the wine lively. For drinkers looking to understand what barrel-aged Viura can do without committing to a Reserva price tag, this bottling makes a compelling case.