Tempranillo Blanco didn’t exist until 1988. One day, a cluster of yellow-green grapes grew on a Tempranillo vine. Someone noticed, and five years later it was confirmed as a new variety. It is still a very rare variety, but the now 35 year old vines produce some compelling wines under the tutelage of Germàn Blanco. La Bicicleta Voladora is a label he makes for easy enjoyment, but with excellent grapes and simple, unadorned winemaking, the wines are far more interesting than they need to be. This sturdy yet lively white gives aromas of green apple, lemon zest, white soil, chamomile and bee pollen. The palate is seamless and polished, with fresh acidity giving life to flavors of white strawberry, lemon, thyme, and a finishing kick of almond oil. We think Tempranillo Blanco has an exciting future in Rioja, if people like Germàn keep making knockouts like this. In his words: "The wines we want to make at La Bicicleta Voladora were defined from a vineyard perspective: We want fresh, fluid and vertical wines! Made from happy grapes, with no chemicals and no wood!"