Cantayano 2025

Cantayano is an organic Verdejo made by the Cantalapiedra family near Valladolid in Castilla y León, where Isaac Cantalapiedra and his son Manuel began making their own wines in 2014. They farm ecologically and aim to show the character of the area's leading grape and its terroir rather than follow international tastes. Verdejo here grows on the stony, sandy soils of the high central plateau, where warm days and cold nights preserve the grape's acidity and its aromatic, herbaceous character. The wine sees some ageing in wood, which adds a light texture and weight, but the emphasis stays on the fresh, unadorned fruit rather than obvious oak. Protective winemaking guards the volatile aromas that give Verdejo its grassy, aniseed character. The wine shows herbaceous aromas of freshly cut grass, fennel and a balsamic, sage like note over green apple and pear, with white flowers above. The palate is fresh and direct, dry and clean, with the slightly bitter, savoury finish typical of the grape. Serve well chilled at 8 to 10 degrees. It suits white fish, shellfish, green salads and goat cheese.