Cuatro Rayas, Viñedos Centenarios Verdejo, DO Rueda, Spain, 2024

Producer Profile

With a history of winemaking dating back to 1935, Cuatro Rayas are leaders in their field, producing almost 20% of all the white wine in DO Rueda.

Now, the community of winemakers making up this co-operative boast over 300 members, with 2,400ha of land under vine, including 120-year-old pre-phylloxera ungrafted bush vines. Cuatro Rayas have worked hard to develop their own ‘Green & Social’ sustainability programme to protect both the environment and their local communities, as well joining forces with the University of León to research the genetic diversity of indigenous Spanish grape varieties and the ageing capacity of Verdejo in particular.

Viticulture

Hand-picked in the daytime from 80 to 100 year old gobelet trained vines. The vineyards sit on high, rocky plains with sandy, gravelly soils, ideal for drainage and vine health. A continental climate with hot days and cool nights preserves the grapes’ acidity and aromatic intensity.

Winemaking

Fermentation is carried out at 15 degrees Celsius with selected yeast. 15% of the production is fermented in 500 litre French oak barrels and the rest in stainless steel. Aged on its lees in a stainless-steel vat for 5 months with battonage.

Tasting Note

The wine is pale yellow with greenish highlights. A powerful but clean nose, with floral aromas, hints of white flowers, acacia fruit and the typical fennel aromas typical of Verdejo. Really round and unctuous on the palate, with a fatty and lingering mouthfeel and a lovely floral finish.

Food Matching

Perfect with grilled seafood, fresh oysters, or a zesty ceviche. Its bright acidity also pairs beautifully with goat cheese salads, herb-marinated chicken, or light tapas like olives and anchovies.