Description
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In January, I returned to Rueda to put together this Top 100 report, now the third edition for the region. Despite the snow and freezing temperatures, the welcome was warm as always, and the wines better than ever.
It is a region driven by innovation. In this report there are many new wines of all different styles: vibrant young wines, bottle-aged Verdejo, wines made in amphora and foudres, and even new reds and a pet nat. And at their heart is the Rueda terroir which clearly leaves its imprint. In fact, the DO is undertaking a comprehensive study of its soils in partnership with the University of León. They have already dug over 130 soil pits – calicatas – but there are many more to come. This information will be made available to all producers so they can better understand their vineyards and the nuances of the region.
To produce this report, I tasted 310 wines from 57 wineries, 31 of whom I visited in person. For the first time, this year I have included the details of the towns or municipalities for wines which come from one or two defined sub-zones. I feel it is time that we dig a little below the surface to unveil the region’s complexity.
Far from the one-dimensional image that some may still carry from times before, Rueda is expressing its terroir in bold and exciting ways.
Beth Willard
