W3 Wine School

Rueda DO (Spain)

Rueda is a DO wine region (Denominación de Origen) of Spain.

Verdejo is the main grape used in White Rueda.

Rueda Flavors

Rueda has a Citrussy and Fruity touch. Nutty. Herbaceous. Excellent level of Acidity.

Lime
Lime
Grapefruit
Grapefruit
Peach
Peach
Melon
Melon
Almonds
Almonds
Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts
Herbs
Herbs
Minerals
Minerals

Rueda Profile

Rueda has a crisp acidity, and a lot of character. The profile is much like Sauvignon Blanc:

SUGAR:Dry 3g/l
BODY:Medium
FRUIT:Medium
ACIDITY:High
ALCOHOL:12-13% ABV
Temperature Serving temperature:
8-10°C (46-50°F))

Rueda Food Pairing

Rueda is very food friendly.

It pairs well with the same food as Sauvignon Blanc.

Spanish. Italian. Asian. Mexcican. Vegetarian.

Salads
Salads
Vegetables
Vegetables
Asparagus
Asparagus
Vinaigrettes
Vinaigrettes
Olive Oil
Olive Oil
Antipasti
Tapas
Fish
Fat Fish
Seafood
Seafood

Excellent Pairings

Vegetables. Asparagus.
Olive Oil. Aioli. Raw Onions.
Mixed Salads with sharp Vinaigrettes.
Capers. Tomatoes. Olives.
Greek salad with Feta.
Beach Picnic. Tapas. Seafood.
Grilled fat Fish. Salmon. Trout. Sardines.
Lime Chicken.

Cheeses

Fresh cheese. Goat.
Pecorino. Feta. Mozzarella.

Spanish Spesialities

Lechazo (Baby Lamb).
Fish Tacos. Seafood Paella.

Rueda Cheese Pairing

Rueda is known for its crisp and fruity profile. It pairs well with a variety of cheeses.

Opt for cheeses with moderate saltiness and creaminess to balance the wine's acidity. You can also add accompaniments like fresh fruits (grapes, apples, pears), nuts (almonds, walnuts), and a light drizzle of honey to enhance the pairing.

Fresh and Mild Cheeses

Mozzarella: Its delicate flavor pairs well with the wine's lightness.

Ricotta: Especially good if served with a drizzle of honey or fresh fruits.

Goat Cheese (Chèvre): The tanginess complements the subtle fruit notes in Rueda.

Semi-Soft Cheeses

Fontina: Its nutty, buttery qualities make a good match.

Brie: The creamy texture and mild flavor work beautifully with Rueda.

Camembert: Similar to Brie but with slightly more earthiness.

Hard Cheeses

Asiago: Lightly aged Asiago adds a complementary tang to the wine.

Manchego: A classic Spanish pairing, especially younger Manchego, which is less intense.

Gruyère: Mildly nutty and sweet, enhancing the wine's subtlety.

Blue Cheeses (for contrast)

Robiola: Its mild creaminess contrasts nicely without overpowering the wine.

If You Like Rueda

You May Also Like:

Bordeaux Blanc (France)
Friulano (Italy)
Grüner Veltliner (Austria)
Lugana (Italy)
Pecorino (Italy)
Pouilly-Fumé (France)
Rioja White (Spain)
Rueda White (Spain)
Sancerre (France)
Sauvignon Blanc (France)
Tempranillo Blanco (Spain)
Torrontés (Argentina)
Verdejo (Spain)
Vermentino (Italy)
Vernaccia (Italy)

About Rueda

Verdejo is the main grape in White Rueda (at least 50%).

Rueda Superior contains at least 85% Verdejo.

Rueda DO (1980)

Rueda Soil

Rueda DO is located in the dry Castilla y Leon region.

The vines have to work hard to grow in Rueda, and you can taste it in the wines.

Irrigation is needed from the Duero River that flows through the area.

Wines labeled Rueda DO must contain 50% Verdejo blended with Sauvignon blanc or Macabeo.

Wines labeled "Rueda Verdejo" often contains 100% Verdejo.

The Rueda DO is centered around the town of Rueda, in the province of Valladolid. The land is a flat high plain at 600 to 800 metres (2,000 - 2600 ft) above sea level. This means there is a considerable difference between day and night temperatures.

Rueda DO Production 2020

WhiteBlackTotal
110 500 000 kg1 210 000 kg111 710 000 kg

Rueda DO Production History

Rueda Statistics
Black GrapesWhite Grapes

Cabernet Sauvignon

1%Tempranillo

Sauvignon

83% Verdejo
10% Sauvignon Blanc

SoilClimate

Soil

Gravelly.
Good Ventilation and Drainage.

Vineyard area: 12 500 hectares.

Climate

Hot and Dry Continental.
Abdundant Sunshine.
Low Rainfall.
High Diurnal Temperature Range.

Altitudes:
600-800 m (2000-2600 ft)

Temperatures:
–5° to 25°C


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