Ostatu

Here is a simple reason to grab this white: Ostatu has real standing, with Gloria de Ostatu 2003 placing No. 76 in Wine Enthusiast's The Enthusiast 100 of 2008, and the estate is now fully certified organic. The Sáenz de Samaniego siblings farm mountain plots around their village in Rioja Alavesa and pick by hand for freshness. It rests on the lees, the spent yeast that adds a soft feel, and remains in tank until bottling to lock in snap and lift. The family’s careful farming and gentle cellar work are geared toward clarity of fruit and a crisp, unmasked profile.

Celery and zesty peel perfume the glass. The palate is lemon-lime with green apple and pear, silky and lively, showing slight oiliness for glide. It finishes with a clean, saline zip that begs another sip.