Description
El Coto was founded in 1970 in Rioja Alavesa and has grown from humble beginnings to become one of the best-known producers in Rioja. Today El Coto has approximately 800 hectares of vineyards across the three Rioja DOCa sub-zones of Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Oriental. This makes them the largest vineyard owner in Rioja and provides optimum control over grape quality. El Coto’s stand-out reds hail primarily from their estate at Cenicero in the heart of Rioja Alta. Here, there is an increased focus on sustainability, both in the vineyard and winery, including the use of cover crops and integrated pest management. In addition, they are in the process of converting 38 hectares of the Los Almendros vineyard (the largest single estate of DOCa Rioja) to organic viticulture, aiming to be certified in the next two years.
El Coto have also invested in a new property, Finca Carbonera, ideal for producing white wines. With parts of the estate reaching an elevation of almost 900 metres, they boast the highest vineyard in all of Rioja which is ideally suited to the new white grape varieties, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Verdejo, recently authorised by the Rioja Wine Board. Besides Viura, the Blanco contains a small proportion of Sauvignon Blanc and Verdejo which adds freshness and aromatic intensity to the blend. In addition to the Blanco, they also make a single-varietal Verdejo which is crisp, aromatic and vibrant. The ‘875m Finca Carbonera’ Chardonnay and ‘875m Finca Carbonera’ Tempranillo are a nod to Rioja’s highest single vineyard.
Head winemaker César Fernández oversees production at El Coto, starting with hand-picking into 350-kilogram crates to ensure the grapes arrive at the winery in pristine condition. Modern and intelligently designed, the emphasis in the winery is on temperature control and gentle handling of the grapes. The Blanco is fermented at 14 – 16°C to preserve aromas and to retain freshness.
Pale lemon in colour. On the nose, the wine is bursting with bright aromas of peaches, apples, citrus and tropical fruits. On the palate, it has lively acidity leading to a dry, crisp finish.