A blend of Viura and Malvasía Riojana (the local variety of Malvasía) grapes fermented in American oak barrels and allowed lees contact for about four months to increase the rich mouth-feel and spice element. Rich with an aromatic citrus and white fruit character.
Viña Pomal is the flagship label of Bodegas Bilbaínas’. Established in 1901, Bodegas Bilbaínas is one of the oldest estates and the oldest bottler in Rioja. They have the largest vineyard holding in Rioja Alta and are one of few estates in Rioja to have its own vineyards surrounding the winery.
Viña Pomal has a long history with the UK and is a quality reference point for classic Reserva wines from the Rioja Alta. It celebrated its centenary in 2008 and was reputed to be the favourite Rioja of Winston Churchill. In the 1940s, Viña Pomal was bottled in London at Charing Cross.
Diego Pinilla Navarro is the Head Winemaker at Viña Pomal; as well as making wines in the Ribero del Duero region of Spain, he has held winemaking positions in many other countries: in Chile at Concha y Toro, Australia at Brown Brothers, in California at Clos du Val, and in France at Saint-Émilion’s Château Canon-la-Gaffelière. His desire to instigate improvements drives his philosophy; as he puts it, ‘Although Viña Pomal is one of the oldest estates in Rioja, we never rest on our laurels. We are constantly advancing our winemaking and viticultural techniques to offer wines which meet the needs of today’s consumer, whilst ensuring we remain true to our roots.’ As such, the wines have not followed the recent trend in Rioja toward a more tannic fruit-driven style.
This approach has recently been rewarded, with the Reserva 2008 being awarded the Rioja Trophy at the Wines from Spain Awards in 2012. Over 400 Riojas, 900 wines in total, were entered and only 19 trophies were awarded under various categories.
Ethical productionVineyard management is high on the list of priorities with resource optimisation and sustainability linked to grape quality being at the heart of their approach. No herbicides, insecticides or pesticides are used and 16 hectares of their vineyards are now farmed organically, the first in Rioja Alta. Satellite mapping, grape traceability, liaison and collaboration with growers and external conservation organisations all play their part in providing the best fruit in harmony with the environment.
