Baluarte Verdejo 2024

Baluarte Verdejo is a single-variety white from the D.O. Rueda, made by the Chivite-owned house of Baluarte. It is drawn entirely from Verdejo, the grape that defines Rueda, grown on the high plateau of Castilla y León where gravelly soils over limestone sit at altitude on a wide, open landscape. The climate is one of extremes, with hot springs, cold winters and very cool nights through the growing season, and that sharp swing between day and night temperature is what preserves Verdejo's acidity and its distinctive herbal, aniseed character. The wine is made in a young, unoaked style, fermented at controlled temperature to protect the aromatics and bottled early to keep its freshness. The colour is pale straw with green tints. The nose shows lemon and green apple lifted by aniseed, white flowers and thyme. The palate is dry and crisp, the citrus fruit carried on brisk acidity to a mineral, faintly salty and gently bitter finish that is typical of the grape. Serve well chilled at 8 to 10 degrees in a white glass.