2023 Longverdejo, Gran Vino de Rueda, Bodega Cuatro Rayas

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.

Longverdejo Gran Vino de Rueda is a serious, textural expression of Verdejo from Bodega Cuatro Rayas, one of the region’s leading producers, founded in 1935 and closely associated with the modern success of DO Rueda. Made from old Verdejo vineyards, including parcels noted for sandy soils and very mature vines, it shows the grape’s distinctive freshness with added depth and quiet complexity. Aromas of white peach, apricot, citrus peel and fennel are layered with white flowers, almond, gentle spice and a subtle mineral edge. The palate is full and finely balanced, combining ripe orchard and stone fruit with bright acidity, a lightly creamy texture and a clean, saline finish.