Ukan Blanco 2023

UKAN Blanco is one of the most exclusive and extremely limited-production wines from the prestigious boutique winery UKAN Winery, led by Koldo Eguren in Rioja Alavesa. This premium white wine represents a contemporary, precise, and deeply authentic interpretation of the terroir of Laguardia.

It is crafted through the meticulous selection of old-vine white grapes (primarily Viura, complemented by a subtle proportion of Tempranillo Blanco and other indigenous varieties) strategically planted at the upper sections of the winery's red grape vineyards. These vines thrive in limestone-rich clay-calcareous soils and produce exceptionally low yields, concentrating the pure essence of the Rioja landscape. The production of UKAN Blanco combines traditional craftsmanship with modern precision winemaking.

Following a meticulous hand harvest in 15 kg crates and a double sorting table, the grapes undergo fermentation followed by one year of ageing in a combination of new French oak barrels and concrete vessels, including concrete eggs. This ageing process provides a silky texture, remarkable volume, and outstanding structural complexity on the palate while preserving the freshness and natural tension that define these high-altitude vineyards. The result is a vibrant, complex, and elegant Rioja white wine with refined mineral character and exceptional ageing potential, promising magnificent bottle evolution over the coming years.

Tasting Notes of UKAN Blanco

Appearance: Pale yellow with bright greenish and steely reflections. Clean, brilliant, and highly luminous.

Nose: Complex and remarkably refined. Pronounced aromas of white stone fruit (pear, green apple, apricot) intertwine with citrus notes of lemon zest, delicate orange blossom, subtle hints of fine vanilla spice, and a distinct mineral and saline background.

Palate: Fresh, vibrant, and beautifully tense on entry. Broad and layered across the palate, with a creamy, silky texture derived from its ageing. Outstanding balance between lively acidity and a saline-mineral character that extends into a long, elegant, and remarkably precise finish.

Key Highlights

Laguardia Terroir: Old bush-trained vineyards rooted in limestone-rich clay-calcareous soils.

Precision Ageing: 12 months in new French oak barrels and concrete vessels to achieve the perfect balance between richness and freshness.

Ultra-Limited Production: Exclusive micro-vinification from selected upper sections of the estate's red grape vineyards.

Minimal Intervention Philosophy: Sustainable viticulture and artisanal winemaking by the fifth generation of the Eguren family.

Serving Recommendations

Recommended serving temperature: 10–12°C (50–54°F). It is advisable to uncork the bottle a few minutes before serving or use Burgundy-style glasses to enhance oxygenation and fully express its aromatic complexity.

Food pairing: Baked white fish, rock shellfish, creamy rice dishes, roasted white meats, and aged sheep's milk cheeses.