2024 Bodegas Naia - Verdejo Naia (750ml)

Bodegas Naia settled in La Seca in the early 2000s, a village considered by many to be the unofficial grand cru of the Rueda region, prized for its old vines and ideal growing conditions. Winemaker Eulogio Calleja, who has spent well over a decade focused on the Verdejo grape, works alongside oenologist Laura Sanz to push past Rueda's often simple, purely aromatic reputation, aiming instead for wines with real depth, texture, and aging potential.

This bottling is built entirely from Verdejo grown on vines ranging from thirty to forty-five years old, with a portion drawn from ungrafted pre-phylloxera vines that can run past ninety years, all rooted in La Seca's rich, well-drained soils. Grapes are picked partly by hand and partly by machine, with the hand-harvested fruit whole bunch pressed. Fermentation splits between spontaneous wild yeast and neutral cultured strains, mostly in stainless steel with a portion aged in French oak, followed by four months resting on its lees with regular stirring to build texture.

The wine pours a bright straw yellow with greenish hues. Intense aromas of stone fruit mingle with fennel and wild herbs, carrying through to a potent, flavorful palate balanced by lively acidity and a long, silky finish. Serve it with grilled octopus, roast pork loin, or a bowl of rice noodles.