Náiades 2021 Bodegas Naia DO Rueda

Náiades DO RUEDA Bodegas Naia 2021

Náiades is Bodegas Naia's flagship cuvée: a white wine with structure, power, and refinement. This 100% Verdejo is fully fermented and aged in French oak, with extended contact with the lees and regular batonnage. Malolactic fermentation is deliberately avoided to preserve freshness. Náiades is bottled under cork and has an alcohol content of 13.5%.

Vineyards and region

The grapes for Náiades come from 23.5 hectares of our own vineyards in La Seca, in the heart of the Rueda wine region. The vines are between 100 and 130 years old, are ungrafted onto their own roots, and grow on sandy soils that offer protection from phylloxera. The plots are situated at an altitude of around 800 meters, which ensures cool nights and thus preserves aromatic tension. Due to the extreme age of the vines, yields are low, but the concentration is exceptionally high.

Vinification and maturation

The grapes are harvested by hand in 15 kg crates. After cold maceration of whole bunches, they are selected on sorting tables. The grapes are then pressed, and fermentation takes place in French oak barrels. The wine is aged for seven months in contact with its lees, with regular batonnage: the regular stirring of the yeast cells, which contributes to the wine's roundness and complexity. Malolactic fermentation is not performed, to preserve the vibrant character of the Verdejo.

Grape composition

100% Verdejo – from ungrafted vines between 100 and 130 years old.

Tasting notes and serving suggestions

Deep golden yellow in color. The nose offers toasty aromas of oak, peach, mandarin, tropical fruit, and vanilla. The flavor is intense, structured, and rich, with notes of quince, spices, and a hint of honey.
Serving temperature: 10–12 °C
Pairs well with: creamy pasta, risotto, asparagus or mild curries.

Awards

• 2022 – 93 points (Wine Enthusiast)

• 2019 – 92 points (James Suckling)

• 2018 – 92 points (James Suckling)

• 4.5/5 stars – Perswijn

• 8.5 – The Great Hamersma

• Recommended by @klare_wijn (Antoin Peeters 46k+ followers)

What makes this wine special?

Náiades is made from Verdejo vines over 100 years old, hand-harvested and carefully selected. The combination of ungrafted vines, sandy soil, altitude, and aging on lees in French oak results in a Verdejo with unparalleled depth and freshness. An exceptional white wine that reveals the true potential of Rueda.