Solarce are the entry level wines from the Casa la Rad estate in Rioja Baja. The large, family-owned estate is located in the northern foothills of the Valle de Ocón, and encompasses 2,000 acres; mostly native oak forest, with 272 acres of vineyards, and 37 acres of olive groves. The remainder of the estate is dedicated to growing almonds and cereal crops. They seek a balance between their activity and the local environment so as to sustain or improve its vitality and biodiversity.
91pts James Suckling– 2017 vintage
“Some chalky mineral aromas here. This has a bright, light and crisp palate and a dial-in, savory finish. Pears and white almonds to close. Drink now.”
90pts Vinous Media– 2017 vintage
“Bright yellow. Fresh melon, tangerine and honeysuckle on the fragrant nose. Silky and seamless on
the palate, offering juicy honeydew and orchard fruit flavors and a refreshingly bitter orange zest
nuance that builds with aeration. Closes with very good, tangy lift and floral-tinged persistence, leaving a subtle floral note behind.”
89pts International Wine Review– 2017 vintage
“Medium yellow-straw, it reveals a lovely perfumed nose with stone fruit and lemon citrus, It is soft on the attack with firm acidity and a reserved palate. Good structure and a nice long finish.”
Excellent/Exceptional(2.5 Stars) The Washington Post– 2017 vintage
White Rioja ages extraordinarily well, and if you find a restaurant offering an older vintage of R. Lopez de Heredia, it is well worth a splurge. This younger example is an intriguing blend based on chardonnay and malvasia, seasoned by some viura and tempranillo blanco. Powerful at its core, the wine seems to implode on itself. Delicious, with scents of talc and white flowers. Buy a bottle to try now, and a few more to forget about for a few years to let the wine open up.
