Spanish Steps Rueda 2011 £6.99
85% Verdejo, 15% Sauvignon Blanc. The grapes are harvested by hand. Soils are rocky and altitude high, creating the perfect growing conditions for the Verdejo grape variety. Temperature-controlled fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks. Residual sugar: 3g/l.
Winemaker: Javier Rodriguez.

Very interesting nose. It really draws you in. Tangy and bright. Very savoury and lasts well.

Taste the Difference Viñedos Barrihuelo Rioja Blanco 2011 £8.99
90% Viura and 10% Malvasia from Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Alta grown on calcareous clay soil. A very dry summer has led to reduced yields in the 2011 vintage which has meant grapes with aromas and flavours that are especially intense and concentrated. The grapes are handharvested then pressed in a pneumatic press under inert atmosphere to preserve the aromas and the juice is separated according to quality. The solids are settled out in tank prior to racking and a cool fermentation at 14°C with specially selected wine yeasts to enhance and maintain the aromas and flavours of this wine. The wine is given extra body by batonnage after primary fermentation giving a more rounded palate. A modern expression of Rioja Blanco, there is no oak contact to preserve the fresh fruit and floral character of the wine. The wine is fined with bentonite and gelatine. Residual sugar: <2g/l. Winemaker: José-Maria Ryan at Bodegas Muriel - founded in 1926, it is the largest wholly family-owned and managed winery in Rioja Alavesa.

This has quite a catty nose - more verdejo in style than viura. Nice, fresh and pretty long.

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mel

Barrihuelo down to 5.99 for a few days. It was originally developed by Sains along with it's crianza red brother as wines for Xmas dinner !!
McQuirky quite likes it for a winter white.
Might have one to try.

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Four wheels move the body - 2 wheels move the soul.

Should have taken more notice of that. It's not for me...should have gone for the Rueda.

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Four wheels move the body - 2 wheels move the soul.