Country: Spain Region: Castile y León, Rueda Grapes: Verdejo and Viura
Rueda is a Spanish Denominación in Castile y León, an autonomous community in northwestern Spain. The region is best known for its fine white wines based on the Verdejo grape. The first documentary evidence of wine production in this area dates from the 11th century. Acreage under vine grew substantially. During the 18th century, acreage devoted to grape growing was greater than at the present, and was exclusively planted with Verdejo grapes. Between 1890 and 1922, the phylloxera louse destroyed two thirds of the vines. Grafting onto louse-resistant New World rootstock allowed for replanting.
Rueda was awarded its DO status in 1980. The Bodega was established in 2006, an ultra modern facility encompassing 300 acres of prime vineyards dedicated to Verdejo, Sauvignon Blanc and Viura grape growing. (It also provides supervision for an additional 270 acres owned by another grower.) The wine is made of 60% Verdejo fruit from wines over 100 years old, and 40% Viura, creating a brilliant pale straw yellow wine.
Intense aromas of white fruit (pears) combine with tropical fruit (lychee, pineapple) and gentle notes of citrus. On the palate, it is delightfully light and refreshing, with good acidity and citrus fruit notes in the finish. It is ready to enjoy now, chilled, with creamy soups, grilled fish, light pasta dishes or paella.
VERDEJO GRAPES — In many cases, the Verdejo grape is partnered with at least one other fruit in the winemaking process. With a history tied to the Phylloxera tragedy, the grape has come back strong and healthy from the brink of extinction. This is an intensely fragrant grape making light, fresh wines.
VIURA GRAPES — Also known as Macabeau, this is a white wine grape widely grown in the Rioja region of Spain. Wines made from Viura grapes are usually dry, semi-sweet or sweet. Spain’s white Viura is a more prolific producer than any of Spain’s red varieties, and offers fruit wines with floral aromas and great acidity.
