2022 Bodegas Félix Lorenzo Cachazo Rueda ‘Carrasviñas Joven’

Rueda is one of Spain’s best-kept secrets.  Its signature grape, Verdejo, is native to the region of Rueda in Castilla y Leon, in north west Spain.  Winemaking in Rueda has been documented as early as the 10th century and it was the first D.O. (Designation of Origin) to be approved in Castilla y León, in 1980. Rueda sits at half a mile above sea level, where the climate is extreme with cold winters, late springs and blistering summers.  Verdejo thrives under these conditions, concentrating the flavours.  Roots are forced to dig deep through the sandy, stony soil for water and nutrients, giving the wines a slight minerality. Huge temperature swings between day and night help maintain the balance between sugar and acidity in the Verdejo grape.

Félix Lorenzo Cachazo was one of the eight producers who originally created the DO Rueda back in 1980.  He was instrumental in changing the winemaking style from the traditional oxidative (sherry like!) to the vibrant and fresh, resulting in Rueda becoming the Spanish white wine that appears on every quality wine list.

The Rueda ‘Carrasviñas Joven’ is 100% Verdejo.  It is straw yellow with greenish reflections.  It has a clean nose with high intensity aromas of fennel, freshly cut grass, mixed with aromas of white fruit (apple, pear) and tropical notes (mango and pineapple).  A wine with a long aftertaste that invites you to continue drinking