Belondrade Y Lurton 2023

Cellar for up to 8 years. Serve chilled. The northern Spanish region of Rueda is known for its crisp, fresh white wines made from the local Verdejo grape, but this example from renowned producers Belondrade Y Lurton is fermented in oak to add extra complexity and intensity of flavour. Widely regarded as one of the finest Verdejos being made in Rueda today, the wine is crafted with grapes from 22 organically-farmed plots which are each harvested by hand and vinified separately. Following fermentation each batch is aged on the lees in French oak barrels for 10 months before the winemaking team decides the exact composition of the finished wine. The wine is then bottled and spends an additional 5 months ageing in the bottle before it is ready for release. The result is a striking white wine which opens with distinctive notes of toast, dried hay, and white peaches. The first sip reveals a crisp acidity balanced by a full body and rich stone fruit flavours which linger long on the tongue. While superb to drink now alongside creamy chicken or fish dishes and various types of cheese, this wine will continue to improve if carefully cellared over the next 6 to 8 years.

Price: £45.76 from 8wines UK