Marques de Irun Blanco 2016
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Excellent to drink with rice dishes, shellfish and fish.
Just as in Jerez, the philosophy here is quality and value. The small bodega is equipped with all the latest technology - stainless steel vats, computerized cooling systems, pneumatic presses etc. to give the control required to make successful light wines in this hot climate.
The climate here is continental, with cold winters and very hot summers, but the high altitude of the vineyards, 500 to 750m above sea level, means cool nights even in the middle of summer.
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.