Traditional White Rioja.

Tomorrow night The Wine Tipster is tutoring a Rioja tasting for The Stroud Wine Society. Out of the eight wines I will be featuring only two of the wines will not be tinto. Although this reflects the emphasis in Rioja, I always like to show a traditional white Rioja that has had contact with oak. However, The Wine Tipster is not following the fashionable route for this region because since the Stone Roses part of the eighties the majority of blancos have been members of the Viura (the dominant white varietal)fresh,crisp and fruity school. In anti fashion non baseball cap reversed mode I discovered Cune Monopole Blanco during this period and have remained a fan of this excellent producer, who are also responsible for some excellent reds from Vina Real, Imperial and Contino. Say hello to tradition and enjoy Cune Monopole Blanco, Rioja, Spain, 2007, £8.99. Stockists: Waitrose, Majestic.This is a classic ultra consistent barrel fermented white Rioja made from Viura and Malvasia. Dry, medium bodied with citrus fruit, creamy, vanilla and a nice touch of elegance. An ideal white to match to smoked fish or crab and The Fall’s I’m Going to Spain.