The Rueda wine region stretches around the town of the same name, on the high plateau of the meseta norte, northwest of Madrid. At an average altitude of 800 m, and in a very continental climate, the Verdejo grape variety occupies the vast majority of the vineyard.
It certainly has a family resemblance to Sauvignon Blanc, but it is less exuberant. Cultivated under a blazing sun, and most often matured on lees, it also shows fullness and texture on the palate.
Shaya’s 2021 is particularly successful. The nose, aromatic and fine, opens with notes of citrus, fennel and peach, with a mineral impression.
The mouth shows generosity, but also a lot of freshness, accentuated by delicate bitterness on the finish. Try it with green vegetable risotto, cod fritters, fish tacos.
Shaya Verdejo Rueda 2021, $19.65 (11377014), 13.5%, organic
Aging: 1 to 3 years