Maturana Blanca
How to pronounce Maturana Blanca
One of Rioja's oldest native white grapes, rescued from near extinction and now leading a quiet revival across just 60 hectares.
Maturana Blanca is an ancient native white grape of Rioja, first documented in 1622 and now the most cultivated white variety in DOCa Rioja. Nearly lost to extinction, it has experienced a significant resurgence. With only 60 hectares planted, it produces light, high-acid whites with apple, citrus, and herbal character.
- Only about 60 hectares planted in Rioja, making it rare but significant as the most cultivated white variety within DOCa Rioja
- First documented in 1622, making it one of the oldest known grape varieties native to Rioja
- Also known as Maturano and Ribadavia
- High in tartaric acid and low in potassium, contributing to its signature tangy, high-acid profile
- Related to the French grape Castets
- Early sprouting and early maturation variety with small clusters and small berries
- Resistant to warming temperatures, giving it relevance in the context of climate change
History and Revival
Maturana Blanca holds one of the longest documented histories of any grape in Rioja, with its first written mention dating to 1622. Despite this deep-rooted heritage, the variety came perilously close to disappearing entirely before a resurgence in recent years brought it back into serious consideration. It was typically not made into single-varietal wines until recently, with producers now championing it as a distinct expression of Rioja's native white grape tradition.
- First documented in historical records in 1622
- Nearly lost to extinction before its modern revival
- Single-varietal bottlings are a recent development
- Grown exclusively in Rioja's DOCa appellation
Viticulture and Growing Conditions
Maturana Blanca thrives in Rioja's clay-limestone soils at elevations around 700 metres under a cool, Atlantic-influenced climate. The variety is early both in sprouting and in maturation, which requires careful site selection to avoid late frost damage. It is sensitive to botrytis and mildew, and its susceptibility to wind means a trellis system is recommended. Despite these challenges, it is a very hardy variety overall, with medium-high vigour, medium yields, and strong resistance to warming temperatures.
- Prefers clay-limestone soils at approximately 700 metres elevation
- Sensitive to botrytis, mildew, and wind exposure
- Trellis system recommended to manage wind sensitivity
- Low-yielding with small clusters and small-sized berries
Wine Style and Character
Wines made from Maturana Blanca display a greenish-yellow color and a light, balanced profile. The aromatic character centers on fruity notes of apple, banana, and citrus, complemented by herbal nuances. On the palate, the variety delivers medium body and high acidity with a distinctive tangy sensation. Its naturally high alcohol content is well-balanced by this elevated acidity. The variety is high in tartaric acid and low in potassium, which reinforces its fresh, food-friendly structure.
- Greenish-yellow color with fruity aromas of apple, banana, and citrus
- Herbal notes add complexity alongside the fruit character
- Medium body with high acidity and tangy sensations on the palate
- High alcohol naturally balanced by high tartaric acid content
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Train your palate →Notable Producers
A small group of Rioja producers has led the effort to preserve and promote Maturana Blanca. Viña Ijalba has been particularly associated with the variety's revival, alongside Bodegas Corral, Bodegas Marqués de Cáceres, Bodegas Bilbainas, and Vivanco. These producers have helped establish Maturana Blanca as a credible single-varietal wine rather than a blending component, raising its profile within and beyond the region.
- Viña Ijalba is closely associated with the variety's modern revival
- Bodegas Marqués de Cáceres and Vivanco also produce notable examples
- Producers have shifted from blending use to single-varietal bottlings
- All noted producers operate within DOCa Rioja
Light-bodied and high in acidity with a greenish-yellow hue. Aromas of apple, banana, and citrus with herbal notes. The palate is tangy and fresh, with medium body and high alcohol balanced by elevated tartaric acidity.
- Viña Ijalba Maturana Blanca$20-35Pioneer of single-varietal Maturana Blanca, showcasing the grape's citrus, herbal, and high-acid character from Rioja.Find →
- Bodegas Corral Maturana Blanca$20-40Established Rioja producer bottling this rare native variety as a focused, food-friendly white with tangy acidity.Find →
- Vivanco Maturana Blanca$25-45From one of Rioja's heritage estates, offering a polished expression of apple and citrus with herbal lift.Find →
- Bodegas Marqués de Cáceres Maturana Blanca$20-40Well-known Rioja house producing a bright, balanced white highlighting the variety's high acidity and fresh fruit profile.Find →
- Maturana Blanca is classified as the most cultivated white variety within DOCa Rioja despite only 60 hectares planted
- First documented in 1622, making it one of Rioja's oldest native varieties; also known as Maturano and Ribadavia
- Key viticultural traits: early sprouting and maturation, small clusters, low yield, sensitive to botrytis and mildew, trellis system recommended
- Biochemical profile: high in tartaric acid, low in potassium, high natural alcohol balanced by high acidity
- Genetically related to the French variety Castets; resistant to warming temperatures, giving it climate resilience