THREE EXPRESSIONS OF VERDEJO FROM BODEGA CUATRO RAYAS

Cuatro Rayas Vendimia Nocturna, DO Rueda 2023 90

100% Verdejo. The cooperative’s signature wine, made with fruit from the eponymous Pago de las Cuatro Rayas, harvested mechanically by night. There’s a tropical richness to the fruit profile with notes of passionfruit, melon and pink grapefruit mingling with ripe orchard fruit. There’s a subtle, pleasant richness to the mid-palate offset by the zesty pull of lime zest and gooseberry. Alc 12.5%

Cuatro Rayas Viñedos Centenarios, DO Rueda 2023 91

100% Verdejo. Partially fermented in barrique and aged on the lees for five months, this is an elegant and characterful Verdejo with subtle toasty notes over a rich core of white grapefruit, peach and green apple. Herbal nuances of wild fennel and oregano give it a very Mediterranean character. Zesty acid and mineral backbone give it focus and depth. An expressive Verdejo from 100-year-old vineyards planted on sandy soils, in and around Segovia. Great food pairing potential. Enjoy with grilled tiger prawns, seared scallops or salted cod. Alc 13%

Amador Diez Gran Vino de Rueda, DO Rueda 2020 93

100% Verdejo. A serious and ageworthy Verdejo, fermented and aged for seven months, on the lees, in first-use barriques with weekly batônnage. The grapes are gently, whole-bunch pressed and only the first press is used. After the initial stage in barriques, the wine spends five months in foudres and one year in bottle before release to market. Complex aromatic profile with roasted almonds, yellow apple, poached greengage, beeswax and honey-glazed almonds. This richness is offset by a firm acid backbone. Long finish, with lingering notes of roasted almonds and apple peel. A wine to enjoy with food; roasted chicken and medium-cured cheeses would be a perfect match. Alc 13%