100% Verdejo from Rueda, Spain.
SRP of $13 and available for as little as $6. Sample submitted for review. Imported by Shaw Ross International.
From the bottle:
"In 1972, Vinos de los Heredos del del Marqués de Riscal began to reintroduce the Verdejo grape, thereby becoming pioneers and the driving force behind the creation of the Denominacion de Origen Rueda. As a result of their constant evolution, they have managed to develop a vineyard of the highest quality for making their best Vivid Sensations.
Made from the native Verdejo grape, this wine has lovely varietal aromas of flowers and herbs, with a rich yet fresh sensation in the mouth and a slight touch of bitterness on the finish, typical of the variety, giving the Marqués de Riscal wines their very characteristic personality. It is fermented for 20 days in stainless steel vats at a controlled temperature of between 13 and 16C to enhance aromas and freshness.
12.5% Alcohol"
Verdejo, a grape native to the Rueda region of Spain, is a variety that while very popular in it's home country is grown virtually no where else in the world. And while the wines of Rueda have typically contained Verdejo as just one part of a blend (along with Viura and Sauvignon Blanc) producers are increasingly turning to pure varietal bottlings, showcasing its fresh and aromatic nature.
The 2013 Marques de Riscal Rueda begins with a nicely aromatic nose featuring mango, a hint of banana and other tropical fruit along with apricots and a pleasant herbaceous component. This is a very fresh and tasty wine reminiscent of Sauvignon Blanc. While it's not terribly complex there's a ton of sweet fruit (green apple, pear and tropical fruits primarily) along with a nice lively mouthfeel and good acidity. It ends dry with the fruit turning quite tart which leaves your mouth watering for more. Marques de Riscal is one of the producers responsible for reviving Verdejo in the 70s and 80s and from the taste of this wine it's easy to see why. Highly recommended!
See a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.
Overall Rating: 7.8
