Rueda

Rueda: Spain's Kingdom of Verdejo

Rueda, nestled northwest of Madrid in the Castile y León region, reigns supreme as the kingdom of Verdejo, a white grape variety producing crisp, aromatic wines. Established as a Denominación de Origen (DO) in 1980, Rueda has seen significant growth and is now a major player in Spain's white wine scene.

Grapes of Rueda

Verdejo, a native grape variety, is the undisputed king of Rueda. This grape thrives in the region's continental climate with hot days, cool nights, and well-drained, stony soils. Verdejo produces wines with vibrant acidity, zesty citrus and tropical fruit flavors, and subtle herbal notes. While Verdejo dominates, other grape varieties are permitted in smaller quantities, including:

• Sauvignon Blanc: Contributing additional aromatic complexity and herbaceous character.

• Viura (Macabeo): Adding a touch of body and roundness, though its use is declining.

Red grapes are a minor presence in Rueda, with Garnacha Tinta being the most notable, but used sparingly for rosé production.

Main Wineries of Rueda

With over 500 wineries in the region, Rueda boasts a wide range of producers. Here are a few of the most prominent:

• Bodegas Vega Sicilia: Yes, the same prestigious winery from Ribera del Duero has a project in Rueda, focusing on single-vineyard Verdejo wines showcasing the potential of the grape.

• Marqués de Riscal: Another Rioja powerhouse, Marqués de Riscal owns Bodegas Rueda, which produces a range of Verdejo styles, from fresh and unoaked to barrel-fermented with more complexity.

• Niepoort: This renowned Portuguese producer has a project in Rueda, focusing on organic viticulture and crafting distinctive Verdejo wines with a focus on minerality and aging potential.

• Bodegas Cuatro Rayas: A leading winery established in 1935, Cuatro Rayas produces a wide range of Verdejo styles at various price points, making high-quality Rueda accessible to many.

• Palacio de Bornos: This historic winery, dating back to the 16th century, produces a range of Verdejo wines, including single-vineyard expressions and innovative styles with skin contact.

This list just scratches the surface of the many excellent wineries in Rueda. Exploring the diverse offerings from these producers allows you to discover the captivating freshness, unique character, and aging potential of Verdejo wines from this exciting Spanish region.