Cuatro Rayas Longverdejo Gran Vino De Rueda 2023

Cuatro Rayas Longverdejo is a single-variety Verdejo from D.O. Rueda in Valladolid, Spain, made under a research project aimed at extending the longevity and ageing capacity of the grape. Rueda sits high on the plateau of Castilla y Leon, where poor, stony soils over limestone and a wide gap between hot days and cold nights preserve acidity and the grape's herbal, aniseed character. The team recovered ancient local yeasts and farmed the vineyard sustainably to feed the wine's structure. It is aged for around five months, with barrel ageing adding a subtle texture and weight while keeping the fresh Verdejo fruit intact, and time on the lees building the almondy, savoury depth that helps the wine last. The colour is pale straw with green tints. The nose leads with citrus peel, green apple and white flowers over fresh herbs and a light spiced note. The palate is dry and textured, the citrus and orchard fruit set against the almond and fennel character of the variety, finishing long, mineral and faintly bitter in the way good Verdejo does. Serve at 9 to 11 degrees. It suits white fish, shellfish and green salads.