2023EsmeraldaGarcíaVayuste,CastillayLeon,Spain

<p>Location: Santiuste de San Juan Bautista is a small village located in the D.O. Rueda, in the region of Castilla y León, in the province of Segovia, Spain. Varietal: 100% Verdejo</p><p>Vineyard: Vayuste, one of Esmeralda’s four single vineyards, is from a single plot located at a lower elevation, amongst pine trees, with beach-like fine sandy/loam soils resulting from marine fossilization, at 800 meters above sea level. Prephylloxera bush-trained vines are 130-200 years old. Farming is organic.</p><p>Vinification: Grapes were hand harvested in late September, the grapes were partially de-stemmed and lightly macerated on the skins for a few hours. Subsequently, they were pressed in a vertical press and the must obtained then underwent alcoholic fermentation with indigenous yeasts, in 500 liter dolia (Spanish clay amphora). After fermentation the wine was left to rest on its fine lees for six months in dolia, and then bottled without fining or filtration. Nosulfites were added at any point.</p><p>Tasting Note: Savory, saline, preserved lemon and clove-dotted orange with a spicy, smokey edge. Mineral and elegant, offering plenty of tension with a briny and creamy quality.</p><p>Bottles Produced: Limited production of about 550 bottles</p><p>About the wine: Vayuste is sourced from a vineyard located near Voltoya River in the “El Pinar” pine forest. The vines are planted amongst pine trees, which provide cooling shade. The sandy soil is very fine and salty, imparting a distinct saline delicateness.</p><p>– from the importer</p>