📍 Rueda

Rueda is a wine area in north-western Spain, in Castilla y León, on a plateau south of the Duero river, mainly in the province of Valladolid and also in Segovia and Ávila. The altitude is 700 to 850 metres, summers are hot and nights cool, so the grapes keep their freshness.

Rueda is known for white Verdejo, a local grape with aromas of herbs, fennel and citrus. The denomination of origin (DO) was created in 1980, the first of its kind in Castilla y León. Besides Verdejo, Sauvignon Blanc and Viura are grown.

Dry whites and sparkling wines are made. Sauvignon Blanc blended with Verdejo gives somewhat more aromatic wines.

Rueda is part of Castilla y León and lies next to Ribera del Duero, where reds are made. Rueda is the white side of the Duero river. Verdejo suits fish, vegetables, salads and light tapas, and is best served well chilled. The name Rueda on a label shows that the grapes grew in this very area, which makes it easy to look for similar wines.