Bodegas Blanco Nieva Verdejo 2022
Category | White Wine |
Varietal | |
Brand | Bodegas Blanco Nieva |
Origin | Spain, Rueda |
Bodegas y Viñedos Blanco Nieva — located in Segovia, Castilla y León in the small village of Nieve — is comprised of over 60 hectares of vines on the former grounds of the Los Cartujos Monastery. The estate was founded in 1989 to revive that growing tradition that dates to the 12th century. In 2009, the bodega was joined by Bodegas Martúe, led by Fausto González, along with oenologist, Ignacio de Miguel, and winemaker, Victor Osorio. Together, with their mutual passion, they oversee the production of wines crafted from Verdejo and Sauvignon Blanc, two varietals allowed by D.O. Rueda. The vineyards are grown on sandy soil covered in small pebbles: 54 hectares of Verdejo (12 of which are Pie Franco: 80-100+ year old vines that survived phylloxera.) and 6 hectares of Sauvignon Blanc. The average age of the non-Pie Franco vines is 35 years. The climate is extreme: cold winters/hot summers, though the growing season benefits the grapes with a broad diurnal temperature range, allowing for optimal ripening conditions.
Blanco Nieva’s Pie Franco is crafted from 100% pre-phylloxera Verdejo vines, planted on poor sandy soil dotted with pebbles. These vines are 80-100+ years of age and produce a small amount grapes: only two clusters of grapes per vine. However, these tiny berries are ultra-concentrated with great minerality and supreme fruit complexity. Light gold in color, this Verdejo offers a beautiful bouquet of citrus-kissed orchard fruits marked with a touch of white flowers. The palate is awash with flavors of Bosc pear, Golden Delicious apple and Meyer lemon. There is an incredible marriage of brilliant acidity and saline-laced minerality that carries the succulent fruit flavors to a refreshing finish that possesses depth and complexity. Pair with a variety of cheeses, grilled whole fish or chicken/pork dishes accompanied with creamy sauces.