Shaya Verdejo 2024

Shaya is a varietal Verdejo from D.O. Rueda made by Bodegas Shaya, drawn from old vines over 70 years old on plots near Segovia. These low yielding ungrafted vines sit on the sandy, stony soils of the high plateau, where the depth of the root system and the wide continental diurnal range give concentrated fruit with firm natural acidity. Belinda Kleinig, an Australian winemaker, oversees the wine. It is partly fermented in barrel and then rested on its lees for a few months before bottling. That partial barrel ferment and lees contact, with gentle oxygen exchange, add texture and a savoury mid palate while leaving the fresh Verdejo character intact rather than making an oaky wine. The colour is pale gold with green glints. The nose leads with ripe apple and pear and a citrus note of lemon, and the palate is fresh and vibrant with an extra layer of weight and length from the barrel and lees work. Serve it chilled, around 9 to 10 degrees.