Rueda

Order Rueda Verdejo wines

There's nothing more relaxing than uncorking a crisp white wine under the warm Spanish sun. And Rueda is the perfect place for wines that will brighten your day. Rueda wines are incredibly fruity and beautifully balanced with a fine acidity. The most important grape is Verdejo, which is found almost exclusively in Spain.

From sherry wines to fruity white wines

Rueda is a historic Spanish wine region located about 165 kilometers northwest of Madrid, and also benefits from the nearby Douro River. It enjoys a continental climate, meaning the region experiences hot summers and cold winters. The vineyards are often situated at an altitude of 700 meters, making it considerably cooler at night than during the day. This allows the grapes to develop a rich aroma while retaining their acidity. Rueda used to produce primarily sherry-like wines from the Palomino grape. The Marqués de Riscal winery changed this in the 1970s. In 1972, to be precise, they decided to move from Rioja to the then-unknown Rueda region. This resulted in the Marqués de Riscal Rueda Verdejo. Thanks to this fruity white wine, Rueda received Denomination of Origin status in 1980. Since then, it has become one of Spain's most renowned wine regions.

The white royal wine Verdejo

In Rueda, one grape variety stands head and shoulders above the rest: Verdejo. This grape plays a prominent role in the viticulture of this Spanish wine region. The popularity of Rueda wines is largely due to this aromatic and powerful local grape. Verdejo grapes produce wines with abundant aromas and an intense, dry flavor. But alongside this white gem, we also encounter the relative newcomer Sauvignon Blanc. Thanks to its high altitude, this grape also thrives in Rueda's warm climate. Of the total grape production, only 2 percent consists of red grapes for rosé and red wines. Because of Verdejo, plantings have steadily declined over the years. However, the quality remains exceptionally high. The most important grape is Tempranillo, supplemented by Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Garnache.

Innovative wineries in Rueda

The Rueda wine region prioritizes innovation. They closely monitor consumer trends and know how to respond effectively. A major player in this wine region is the Jose Pariente winery. They are a well-known name in the region and, using the most advanced technologies, they produce beautiful wines. Besides Veredejo, they are happy to introduce you to other grape varieties from this region. The Jose Pariente Sauvignon Blanc has a rich aroma of exotic fruit and a rich flavor. Bodegas Naia is also a major winery with beautiful vineyards in Rueda. They age their Verdejo for four months in oak barrels, resulting in a complex wine with a vibrant bouquet. The white wine is fresh and full-bodied on the palate.