Valtravieso Nogara 2024

Valtravieso, founded in 1983, made its name in Ribera del Duero but sources this white from the neighbouring Rueda appellation. A quarter of the fruit for Nogara comes from very old Verdejo vines of 85 to 90 years, the rest from parcels of around 20 years, all hand harvested at ripeness. Rueda sits high on the meseta of Castilla y Leon on gravel and limestone soils, where the wide day-to-night temperature swing holds acidity and gives Verdejo its characteristic fennel-like, herbal lift. The old vines bring lower yields and greater depth of flavour. The wine is aged on its lees for five months in barrel and a further five months in stainless steel; this extended lees contact releases mannoproteins that build weight and a creamy texture while keeping the wine fresh and free of heavy oak character. The result is pale straw with green tints. The nose shows pear, green apple and lemon over a savoury herbal and white-flower note, and the palate is dry and gently textured, with a saline, faintly bitter almond finish typical of the grape. At 10.5 per cent it stays light and drinkable. Serve chilled at 9 to 11 degrees with shellfish, grilled white fish or roast chicken.