Winemaker Notes
Made in a classic style which showcases the bright, fresh and mineral flavors of the Verdejo grape, this wine has been called "a textbook Verdejo" by renowned wine critic Josh Raynolds of Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
An even better value is the 2010 Oro de Castilla, a 100% Verdejo that was fermented and aged in stainless steel. Nutmeg, almonds, mineral, and peach aromas lead to a dry, lengthy, satisfying white with vibrant acidity and impeccable balance.
Captivating and full of character, Verdejo grows with great success in Rueda, Spain and virtually nowhere else in Europe. It has become so trendy in Spain since the turn of the century that plantings have also increased tremendously. Somm Secret—Contrary to what some may think, it is actually not related to the Portugese variety with a very similar name, Verdelho. In fact, DNA profiling suggests it may be a sibling of Godello, another native of NW Spain.
Rueda is located along the banks of the Duero River in Spain’s Castilla y León region, just a 2-hour drive north of Madrid. While winemaking in this area goes back to the 12th century, it was in the 1980s that the region was granted Denominación de Origen (D.O.) status. Today, more than 70 wineries call Rueda home. This national favorite is the top-selling white wine in Spain.
Notable facts Rueda’s main grape variety, Verdejo, gets it distinct complexity from stressful growing conditions and mineral-rich soil. Think of Verdejo as a fuller-bodied and more aromatic Sauvignon Blanc. A lush and smooth character with perfectly balanced acidity means Rueda wines pair well with seafood, fresh salads and spicy food, but are also great on their own.