📍 Rueda

Rueda is a wine area in north-western Spain, in Castilla y León, on a high plateau in the centre of the Duero basin. It covers the south-west of the province of Valladolid and some neighbouring parts of Segovia and Ávila; the Duero forms its northern boundary. The altitude is 700 to 870 metres; winters are cold and long, springs short with late frosts, and summers hot and dry, while the big difference between day and night lets the grapes keep their acidity.

Rueda is known for white Verdejo, a local grape well adapted to the climate and soils of the area; it gives wines notable for their acidity, body and aroma. The denomination of origin (DO) was created in 1980, the first of its kind in Castilla y León. The main white grapes are Verdejo, Sauvignon Blanc, Viura, Chardonnay and Viognier, and the main red ones are Tempranillo and Cenicienta.

Most Rueda wines are white: young, fresh and fruity, with fruity, floral or herbal aromas; they are made from at least 75% of the main white grapes. Rosés, reds, quality sparkling wines and the traditional liqueur wines Dorado and Pálido are also made; Dorado is aged oxidatively and has aromas of nuts and toast.

Verdejo suits fish, vegetables, salads and light tapas, and is best served well chilled. The name Rueda on a label shows that the grapes grew in this very area, which makes it easy to look for similar wines.