Alvarez y Diez, Silga Verdejo, DO Rueda, Spain, 2023

Producer Profile

Alvarez y Diez are one of the most important producers of D.O. Rueda wines, arguably Spain’s most successful white wine growing region.

With 100 hectares of their own vineyards, they practice viticulture based on minimal intervention, allowing the climate, with its strong contrasts between day and night temperatures to provide the perfect balance of ripeness and acidity. The clay content in their sub-soils retains moisture, which is then made available to the vines during summer and particularly useful in drought years which are becoming increasingly common. Wines are made in their state of the art winery, however they continue to use the old underground wine cellar that belonged to the Church as a barrel store, linking the history of the area with modern production and an eye on the future. Concentrating on the indigenous Verdejo and Sauvignon Blanc, Alvarez y Diez were one of the first wineries to produce the crisp, herbaceous style that is associated with Rueda today.

Viticulture

A combination of some of the oldest vines in the D.O, poor soils and high density planting help to contribute to the exemplary quality of fruit harvested by Alvarez y Diez which is amply demonstrated in the finished wine. Newer plantings are machine harvested at night whilst the old vines are all hand harvested.

Winemaking

A cold maceration for over eight hours, then a controlled cold-fermentation in stainless steel, at a maximum of 14º C for 15 days. The wine is then gently clarified and stabilised before bottling.

Oak Ageing

No oak ageing

Tasting Note

Beautiful green-fruit aromas combine with a hint of citrus fruits to give a fresh and vibrant nose. Fresh, varietal-fruit with citrus notes and excellent acidity.

Food Matching

This light and zesty wine is perfect with simple seafood, chicken dishes and crisp salads.