Montecillo Singladuras Rueda 2025

Montecillo is a long-established Rioja producer, and the Singladuras range is its move beyond the region, this Verdejo coming from Rueda. The fruit is grown at Navas del Rey on vines planted at 748 metres, high enough that the nights turn cold and slow the ripening, which locks in the grape's freshness and its herbal, aromatic lift. The soils are granite, a free-draining base that stresses the vines and pushes the wine towards a leaner, more mineral expression of Verdejo. It is fermented in stainless steel and rested two months on its lees, then given a short time in bottle before release. The lees contact adds a light roundness without dulling the wine's cut, and the absence of oak keeps the fruit and the granite character clear. It pours pale with green glints. The nose is lemon, green apple and white flowers with the fennel-like herbal note typical of Verdejo, and the palate is dry and crisp, with pear, dried herbs and a saline, stony finish. The altitude shows in the taut acidity. Serve at 9 to 11 degrees.