Finca las Rejas Blancos

Rueda in the northwest is Spain’s equivalent of Sancerre, a region famed for its classic, dry, aromatic wines – but here the star grape is not Sauvignon Blanc, but the much lesser known Verdejo. Virtuoso winemaker Javier Murúa, whose grandfather founded renowned Rioja estate Bodegas Muriel, has excellent contacts throughout Spain. He is always the first to know when there’s a parcel of stand-out grapes or vat of wine up for grabs. In this case there were three – Verdejo from a great little winery in Rueda, plus Rioja’s citrusy Viura, and crisp Malvasia from central Spain. Combined, they make a dazzlingly fresh white with leafy limey zip. Chill well – it makes a delicious apéritif, and is also great with crisp salads and grilled white fish.