Bodega Nivarius

Appellation: Rioja

Region: Rioja

Country: Spain

Color: White

Varietal(s): 80% White Maturana, 20% Viura

About The Producer

Bodega Nivarius is a unique winery in Rioja because it exclusively produces white wines from native varieties such as White Maturana, Viura, and Garnacha Blanca. The winery and vineyards are at elevations of 800 meters, with north-facing vineyards influenced by an Atlantic climate. These conditions create impeccable white wines that express the character and genuine personality of the region’s local white varieties, such as White Maturana. The estate uses honest farming practices with little intervention to respect the biodiversity of the environment, resulting in the most genuine expression of the land and the wines. Nivarius is a Latin term for a natural well where the snow was stored all year round.

Terroir & Vineyard Practices:

The vineyards are located at an altitude of 800 meters at Nalda. They are north-facing, planted in soils formed in the Cretaceous period. The soil consists of a superficial layer of sand over a subsoil of fragmented limestone, which provides excellent structure, porosity, and drainage. This situation allows for the natural acidity of the grapes to be maintained. The result is wines with good tension that express the terroir from which they come and exceptional aging potential.

Tasting Notes

Clean, brilliant, and transparent, with a straw yellow color with green glints. The wine is fresh and complex on the nose, displaying minerality, with aromas of white fruit, flowers, and balsam trees. On the palate, it is dry on the entry that gives way to melon and lemon flavors. A lovely texture and weight while also having good tension. It is well-balanced with a long finish. Pair with tuna, salmon, sea bass, white meats and cured cheese.

Vinification

Manual harvest in boxes of 18 kg, each variety individually. Respectful pressing at a low temperature. Fermentation in French oak casks of 35 hl with native yeast. Aging takes place on the lees for 10 months with regular battonages. The wine stays 9 months in bottle before release.