Bodegas Exopto, a winery founded in 2003 in Laguardia by the Frenchman Tom Puyaubert, seeks with El Bernate de Exopto 2021 to highlight the value of the malvasía riojana, a variety that in the D.O.Ca. represents only 2% of the vineyard area planted with white varieties. An exceptional white from old vines, with a production of only 1200 bottles, demonstrating the mineral and citrus character that this variety can achieve in the limestone soils of Rioja Alta.
Consumption features
Serving temperature
General features
Type of wine
Region
Grape variety
100% Malvasía
Type of barrel
Ovoid concrete tanks of 950 liters
Type of bottle
Burgundy Bottle
Barrel aging time
12 months
Capacity (cl)
75
Tasting notes
The Bernate de Exopto displays a delicate white gold color to the eye.
The floral notes of rose and acacia give way to citrus notes (lime) and white fruit like nectarine, over a mineral background reminiscent of graphite.
On the palate, it is fresh, with good tension, long, and with a pronounced citrus presence.
The winery
Winery
At the beginning of the year 2000, the Bordelais Tom Puyaubert settled in La Rioja to develop his activity as a representative of a famous French cooperage. Daily contact with the best Spanish winemakers and his knowledge of the Rioja wine culture and its enviable vineyards encouraged him, in 2003, to embark on his own project. Bodegas Exopto takes its name from the Latin verb meaning "to strongly desire, to hope with great enthusiasm." It is precisely this passionate spirit that guides his steps and the creation of an interesting range of white and red wines that aim to be a faithful expression of La Rioja and its terroir.
Puyaubert's winery is based in Laguardia, the capital of Rioja Alavesa, and its facilities give birth to wines full of color, fruit, and freshness, with a fine and subtle presence of the noblest woods. All of Bodegas Exopto's creations originate from three of the great varieties that make up the classic Rioja blend: tempranillo, garnacha, and graciano. These come from 15 micro-plots of vineyards, aged between 30 and 90 years, covering a total surface area of 10 hectares, and are distributed between the village of Abalos (Rioja Alta) and the slopes of Monte Yerga in the southern part of the region.
In the winery, the aging of Exopto wines stands out for the exclusive use of French oak barrels of different grain types and toasting levels to achieve greater oxygenation, preserve the fruit, or contribute complexity, minerality, structure, or balance.
Puyaubert's winery is based in Laguardia, the capital of Rioja Alavesa, and its facilities give birth to wines full of color, fruit, and freshness, with a fine and subtle presence of the noblest woods. All of Bodegas Exopto's creations originate from three of the great varieties that make up the classic Rioja blend: tempranillo, garnacha, and graciano. These come from 15 micro-plots of vineyards, aged between 30 and 90 years, covering a total surface area of 10 hectares, and are distributed between the village of Abalos (Rioja Alta) and the slopes of Monte Yerga in the southern part of the region.
In the winery, the aging of Exopto wines stands out for the exclusive use of French oak barrels of different grain types and toasting levels to achieve greater oxygenation, preserve the fruit, or contribute complexity, minerality, structure, or balance.