Naia Rueda Verdejo (75cl, 13%)

100% Verdejo white wine from D.O. Rueda, Spain, from old-vine parcels in La Seca, with some plantings over a century old. Fermentation and ageing are split across 60% stainless steel, 30% foudres and 10% used barriques, followed by four months of lees contact with daily bâtonnage. The nose brings lemon zest and honeysuckle, then fennel, mineral undertones, hazelnut and stewed green apple. The palate is bright and dry, with lemon-lime and grapefruit, then peach and apricot, creamy weight from lees ageing, tropical fruit and vanilla from the barrel-aged portion. The finish is medium, with pithy citrus-peel grip and a clean mineral fade.