D.O. Rueda
In all probability the Verdejo grape originated in North Africa and was brought to Spain by the Moors. After a period of adaptation in the south, the grape was brought to the Castilla area where wine using this grape was produced primarily by the monasteries. Rueda wines were successfully produced until the phylloxera epidemic in the beginning of the 20th century and it wasn’t until Marqués de Riscal decided to make a Rueda wine in the 1970’s using modern methods that the wines from this region began to improve and came to the attention of wine-lovers everywhere.
The Denominación de Origen Rueda was granted by Spain’s Ministry for Agriculture in January 1980 and nowadays there are almost 50 wineries certified by this appellation. Since 2002 red and rosé wins can also be produced as D.O. Rueda wines. Some of the best-known Rueda wines are Marqués de Riscal, of course, but also José Pariente Verdejo, Palacio de Bornos Verdejo and Basa.
The Verdejo grape is ideal for this region and the land, the soil and the climate are ideal for the Verdejo grape. The altitude of the area is reasonably flat and an average of around 700m above sea level, the soil is generally poor with little rainfall and the winters are very cold but sunny. All of this contributes to the perfect ripening of the grapes and a large quantity of aromas preserved in the skins. The yields are generally low but the grape quality is excellent.
The Verdejo grapes are generally harvested at night. This is for two reasons. First of all, this method avoids sunlight which can oxidise the must during the mechanised grape harvesting process. And it also means that the grapes enter the cellar at the lower night-time temperature of between 10-15 oC instead of the daytime temperature which in September can reach as high as 28 or 30oC.
To qualify as a Rueda, the wine must have at least 50% Verdejo. The remaining 50% often being Viura or Malvasia grapes. If the wine has at least 85% Verdejo than it qualifies as a Rueda Verdejo (or Rueda Superior, as it is sometimes called). Generally these wines are made from 100% Verdejo but it is not a requirement.
Rueda wines have a definite personality. Although the colour is often quite pale, it is not in proportion to the flavour which is present in abundance. The wines are fruity, with a hint of scrub herbs and an excellent level of acidity. They are harmonious, leaving a pleasant taste in the mouth and the desire to go on drinking.