Bodega Juan Carlos Sancha spreads over five hectares of some of the highest elevated and cool locations in the Najerilla Valley of the Rioja Alta. Juan Carlos, a pioneer in the organic world and professor of enology at the University of Rioja, along with his colleague discovered and rescued and from extinction 3 minor indigenous grape varieties, Tempranillo Blanco, Maturana Tinta and Maturana Blanca. They are the first Rioja winery to make commercial wine from these lost grapes and the Tempranillo Blanco was the first to reach the international market. 

The Tempranillo Blanco grape is a mutation from a single (red) Tempranillo vine that was found in 1988 in an old vineyard located in Murillo de Río Leza, La Rioja but this specific Tempranillo Blanco vineyard is 20 years old and planted on clay-lime soils. It is harvested manually, fermented with native yeast in stainless steel tanks and sits on its Lees for 7 months. With soft notes of green pear, starfruit and key lime, there is a sweet overtone fluffy marshmallow paired with a chalky minerality at the finish.

Professor Sancha chose the name “Ad Libitum” for its meaning “free to do what you wish”. Get this wine if you believe in the statement that is “YOLO”. Pair with the most sumptuous Louisiana-style seafood pot pie you can make or find!