Yo no hablo español, so I’ll stick to English. It’s Spain month here on Curious Wines, and to further celebrate 20% off our fabulous Spanish range, we’re conducting a four part feature for February on some of the country’s most popular and up and coming wine regions, starting with the historic white wine DO of Rueda.

Located north west of Madrid and south west of Ribero del Duero, the DO lies in the province of Vallidolid on a flat elevated plain around 700 metres above sea-level. Referring to recent times, the potential of the area was discovered in the 1970’s by Bodegas Marques de Riscal of Rioja, who made a delicate white wine from the Verdejo grape to partner its red Rioja. By 1980, Rueda had earned DO status, which helped to further establish itself as a source of quality white wine.

The Verdejo grape is most at home in Rueda, despite originating (or so it’s thought) in South Africa. This white grape produces wines that are fairly aromatic and full bodied, yet very fresh, fruity and elegant. Viura (also known as Macabeo) and Sauvignon Blanc are also permitted within the DO, as well as the lesser grown reds of Tempranillo, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Garnacha.

Despite going from strength to strength in the past 40 years, Rueda has been commercially producing wines since the 11th century, when monastic orders settled in the area and founded vineyards. For hundreds of years the winemakers of the region enjoyed being part of a relatively healthy industry, until Phylloxera struck at the end of the 1800’s. They ultimately suffered the same fate as the rest of the European wine industry.

Recovery was slow until the 1970’s, but modern-day Rueda is getting it right in the vineyard and in the winery, rightfully earning a name for their signature fruity whites, much of which is being compared to the finest from Sancerre and New Zealand.

For a taste of Spain’s best Verdejo and Sauvignon Blanc, check out our Rueda wines, with 20% off indicated prices.

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.