At €13 you’re competing with Sauvignon  Blanc from New Zealand, so the Spanish Castelo de Medina is not one that many will automatically reach for. It needs a little push. Unfortunately a lot of people don’t take Spain seriously enough as a white wine producing nation (my opinion being largely based on conversations with our customers) and it’s such a shame. Check out the Albarino grape variety if you need convincing.

The New Zealand style of Sauvignon Blanc is very appealing, but other countries can offer slightly different styles (often more restrained) that can still compete on the same level. The Decanter medal winning Elgin Sauvignon Blanc (out of stock for an obvious reason) is a good example, but the Castelo de Medina is actually not dissimilar to a Marlborough Sauvignon - very aromatic with those pronounced gooseberry characteristics.

Located north west of Madrid and just south west of the mythical Ribera del Duero red wine region, lies the hugely successful wine appellation of Rueda. This is arguably Spain’s leading white wine region, with production dating back to the 11th century.

The 10th century saw the region war torn by the Moors, before Alfonso XI saved it from complete destruction, declaring that anyone working on the land would gain ownership of it. In came monastic orders, and commercial wine production began in earnest.

The most popular grape variety is Verdejo, which produces a classic Spanish white wine of unique character, although Sauvignon Blanc and Viura are becoming increasingly popular. Interestingly, the Verdejo grape is not grown extensively elsewhere in Spain.

As a region hailed for its Verdejo, my advice is to watch out for its Sauvignon Blanc as well. I’ve been very impressed with the Castelo de Medina and I would encourage any lover of good Sauvignon to give Rueda a shot.