José Pariente Finca Las Comas 2022

Jose Pariente Finca Las Comas is a single-variety Verdejo from Bodegas Jose Pariente in Valladolid, in the DO Rueda. The estate has worked with Verdejo, the region's flagship grape, since the 1960s, and is now run by Victoria Pariente with a commitment to organic farming and research. Rueda sits on a high plateau where stony, free-draining soils and a wide diurnal range between hot days and cold nights let the grapes ripen slowly while holding their acidity and aromatic herb character. This bottling is fermented and aged for twelve months in foudres, large oak vessels that give slow oxygen exchange and lees contact rather than overt oak flavour. The long lees ageing builds a broad, textured palate and a fine almond note, while the neutral wood adds structure and length. The colour is bright straw yellow. The nose shows pear and white peach with wild herbs, anise and citrus peel, the herbaceous streak that marks good Verdejo. The palate is dry and textured, the fruit framed by fresh acidity and a savoury, faintly bitter finish. Serve at 10 to 12 degrees.