Wine

Mick O’Connell’s Four Corkers: These white Riojas left my jaw on the floor

Don’t sleep on the lesser-known style of Rioja, the whites, which can be outstanding wines of texture, freshness and point of difference

White riojas are generally blends of different grape varieties, with viura taking centre stage and grenache blanc, malvasia and even white tempranillo taking a supporting role

Rioja is a region that is synonymous with wine, particularly in Ireland where we are one of their top ten export markets. Despite our being small in population terms apparently we enjoy a drink . . . and Rioja arguably sums up the Irish wine palate more than any other wine.

Rioja to us is red, Campo Viejo, Marques de Riscal et al. However, one style of wine often gets overlooked from the region; the ...