Photo by Tara Stevens
Finca La Colina home
For those unfamiliar with the wine territories of Spain, Rueda is a region just tipping the edge of the Ribero del Duero, which runs more or less across the upper centre of the country—chest level if you like. Rueda is on the western side just south of Valladolid and is currently turning out some of the finest whites in the country.
The grape the region is best known for is Verdejo (the Spanish equivalent of Sauvignon Blanc), though you see considerably less of the 100 percent Sauvignon Blancs from Rueda on the market. Perhaps because they are more expensive, but the additional Euros are well worth it for something with a bit oomph to it; there’s something about the soil and water up there that makes Sauvignon Blanc sing, especially in the hands of Bodegas Vinos Sanz.
Their estate bottled Finca La Colina Sauvignon Blanc 2008 took away a gold medal at the prestigious Concours Mondial Bruxelles in 2009 and it’s easy to see why. A rich, honeysuckle gold colour in the glass with faint edges of green, ripe and juicy in the mouth filling it with honeydew melon and ripe peach against a more grapefruity background. There are some herbal notes too, to add interest and yet the acidity is nicely balanced. The finish lingers pleasantly, making you reach for another glass of it. Perfect for lunch, or as an aperitif on these spring evenings that finally look like they might be arriving. Salut!
Retail: around €10