2022 VERDEJO, Flor de Vetus. Rueda, Spain

The Antón family acquired the estate in 2003 and the Flor de Vetus Rueda is made from 100% Verdejo, and from an 80 year old vineyard planted at an altitude of 820 metres in the cool area of Segovia. This creates a superb diurnal range with hot summer days ripening the grapes, whilst cool night preserve the vital acid levels. The soils are poor with sand and some stones – yields are naturally low.

100% Verdejo

The Antón family (of Izadi Rioja and Finca Villacreces fame) also have plantings in the hot red wine area of Toro. Its next door neighbour is the white only DO of Rueda, where wines can be made from either Sauvignon Blanc or the local grape Verdejo.

Made by Vanesa Pérez Martínez, grapes are handpicked, then destemmed, with a cool fermentation taking place in stainless steel to dryness. The wine was then aged on lees for 3 months. There is no oak.

This wine is ready to drink now but can enjoyed over the next 18 months. Serve chilled but not too cold.