Bodegas Ontañón is a 5th generation family-owned and run winery in Rioja Baja. Here Raquel, Rubén and Maria Pérez Cuevas continue their father Gabriel's work to develop Bodegas Ontañón into one of the most highly-regarded wineries in Rioja. Ontañon have vast swathes of vineyard in Rioja Baja. Whilst wine production in Rioja is typically very dependent on contracts with grape growers, the Pérez Cuevas family have seen fit to invest heavily in the purchase of their own land and vines. Their 250ha is a testament to the importance they place on controlling grape quality. Their vineyards sit high in the Sierra Yerga mountains in the prestigious region surrounding Quel - and defy misconceptions that Rioja Baja is one of the lesser sub-regions within Rioja. Much of their vineyards are actually planted at altitudes on a par with, or above, those in Rioja Alta and Alavesa; (La Pasada is their highest vineyard at 800m above sea level - planted in 1979 it is used for Reserva and Gran Reserva wines). The hot and dry Mediterranean climate allows for consistent ripening of the grapes with little disease - this has enabled them to pursue organic production across 57 hectares.

The Tempranillo Blanco grapes are sourced from vineyards at around 600m altitude. They were harvested in early October - picked in the early morning and taken immediately to the winery.

There they were slowly pressed to extract the must, and the seeds were separated from the must to maintain optimal aromas and flavours during the fermentation process. This occurs over a period of 14 days at controlled temperature. Following fermentation the juice spends 2 months on lees.

A good match for poultry, risotto and roasted vegetable dishes.