Rueda
Rueda is a small wine region to the north-west of Valladolid of over 6 000 hectares. In this area there are 1 320 grape growing holdings registered and 32 bodegas. It takes its name from the village of Rueda.
The region has been known for its white wines only since the 16th, 17th century. Towns and villages of Old Castillia are full of underground labyrinths and tunnels which were used as shelter during troublesome times. During times of peace they served as cellars where wine was produced and stored.
Wines became valued when the Castillian court moved to Madrid. The quality of wines from Rueda rendered impossible the competition of wines from Jerez or Montilla. Easily oxidised Verdejo had no chances with old methods of vinification. The use of cold fermentation and modern technology created an opportunity to produce fresh, balanced, elegant and interesting wines that did not oxidise easily. The majority of old bodegas has departed from the old vinification method and started the production of a new generation of wines.
The DO class for white wines was obtained by this region in 1980. Here the dominant varieties are:
Verdejo (almost 50%), Viura also known as Macabeo (moved here from Rioja – around 22%), Palomino (almost 25%), also minor amounts of Sauvignon Blanc are grown here, small quantities of interesting Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo. Wines from Rueda are full-bodied wines, have a straw and amber colour, they are fresh, balanced and elegant. They have the right acidity and length.
Agricola Castellana
A vineyard situated in the very centre of the Rueda region, founded in 1935.
From the very beginning it was perceived as a modern place, focused on new technologies and constant improvements of the production process.
Its wines are not only known within the borders of Spain, but also USA, Germany, Mexico. The vineyard is ISO 9002-1994 and 9001-2000 certified.
It covers the area of approximately 2000 hectares.
The main grafts of wines grown in this region are Verdejo (around 50%), Viura (25%), Sauvignon Blanc (5%) and Tempranillo (5%).
They make exquisite wines of the D.O Rueda appellation.