Spain: Telmo Rodriguez - Basa Verdejo 2024, Rueda, Castilla y León (Organic)

Read Alex's Producer Profile on Telmo Rodriguez.

Grape varieties: 90% Verdejo, 10% Viura (aka Macabeo). Farmed organically.

Remove from the fridge 5-10 minutes before serving.

Part of the Castilla y León region and around 1.5 hours northwest of Madrid, just to the south of the city of Valladolid and the Duero river, Rueda's vineyards lie on a flat, high plateau with elevations of around 700-800m.

This elevation contributes to dramatic shifts in day-night temperatures, ideal for preserving acidity in the white wines that dominate Rueda, while the continental climate is tempered by the Atlantic's influence.

Fermented in stainless steel only. Basa means 'goblet,' referring to the goblet-shaped bush vines responsible for this wine.

Some of these vines are more than 80 years old, meaning they are very low-yielding but producing great fruit. 

Intensely aromatic, zingy, and refreshing, but also beautifully textured, this is without doubt one of Spain’s best-value white wines.

Full of lime zest, green apple and herbs, it brims with life; I feel the 10% Viura is here for balance, it adds textural and aromatic nuance while reining in a little of Verdejo’s intensity. 

I just love it. Drink it now (that's an order, not a drinking window)!

Food Pairing:

Seafood of all types including seafood paella, tapas (e.g. tortilla, garlic prawns), Mexican dishes, asparagus, halloumi, white meat, grilled vegetables.

A favourite is chilli-lime prawns with asparagus - one of few wines to pair really well with asparagus. 

What the critics say:

90 points (Superior Quality, Remarkable Personality) - Wine Advocate – a very good score for a wine at this price level!