Previewing a couple of these Rueda DO’s for the upcoming live tasting event–one fairly typical and one somewhat blowing my socks off as it heads into a decade of age. We were worried the 2013 might be a bit past-prime for a little screw-top white classically intended for early consumption. Boy were we wrong! Beautiful ambering in the glass, a dusty, nutty nose polished elegantly, the mouth-feel a cross-section of ripe tropical: guava and papaya, slight banana touching up Old-World notions of cellar floor. Nearly late-harvest-like in smell and taste, perceptions to that intent instantly crushed by still-brilliant acidity and grip. Several hours in the glass only magnified the positives. 5 years to go EASY on this thing, and for this kind of age at $18 bucks: an INSTANT cellar.

The 2018 Irún shows the early appeal of Verdejo at an age MOST will drink it. Sharp and bright, tropical again, but here we have firm passion-fruit and kiwi headed into near-green apple territory. Pungent–but well-integrated–vegetal, reminiscent of great Sancerre or Pinot Gris fill the nose and complement the fruit, shrill acid again a testament to the variety. Fresh and lively, showing even a bit of spritz in the pale yellow glass, an absolute tangy beauty.

I’m teaming up with DRINK REAL SPAIN, Chef Justin Sutherland and Taste Network’s Brady Lowe in May for a live tasting to explore these two wines–along with two exemplary Ribera del Deuro’s. WINE HOUSE LA is offering 24 of these packages along with an invite to the tasting. Additionally, I have been informed there is a BONUS bottle getting slipped in–not listed on the official offering. Get yours now to ensure a spot!

Learn more about these two exciting regions offering supreme bang-for-the-buck here: https://www.riberaruedawine.com/

Direct link to the wine-tasting package: https://www.winehouse.com/product/drink-real-spain-virtual-tasting-combo-ribera-del-duero-rueda/

2013 BUIL & GINÉ ‘Nosis’ Verdejo Rueda DO Spain 12.5
2018 MARQUÉS D IRÚN Verdejo Rueda DO Spain 13.0

https://builgine.com/en/buil-gine-2/
https://caballero.es/marcas/marques-de-irun/