Nogara Viñas Viejas 2024

Nogara is an old vine, barrel aged Verdejo from Bodegas Valtravieso in Rueda, made to show that the grape can be serious and long lived rather than only fresh and easy. The fruit comes from old vines, whose deep roots and low yields give more concentrated, structured wine. Rueda sits on a high plateau in Castilla y Leon, where stony, sandy soils drain freely and hot days give way to cold nights, a wide swing that ripens the fruit while holding on to Verdejo's citrus and fennel lift. The wine is fermented and then aged twelve months in oak barrels on its lees. Slow oxygen exchange through the wood and the breakdown of the lees add texture, weight and a nutty depth, while the barrel gives light spice rather than obvious oak. The colour is a bright straw with a golden tint. The nose shows pear, fennel, toasted almond and a green herbal note. The palate is broad and textured, dry and firm, with a stony, savoury finish. Serve at 11 to 12 degrees in a large glass.