The grapes are selected from the best vineyards in the area under the supervision of wine experts which, together with the climatic conditions and terrain, assures the success of the white wines made at the Rueda winery.
Verdejo is without doubt the most important variety in this DO and is the synonym of quality in white winemaking. This variety is responsible for the idiosyncrasy of winegrowing in Rueda. It provides nuances of mountain herbs and fruity and slightly sweet notes despite its excellent acidity, something which counteracts its alcohol content. It lingers longer in the mouth due to its slight bitterness and volume, something exceptional in white wines.
Traditionally in Rueda, Verdejo is blended with other varieties, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Viura or Macabeo. However, red wines have also been marketed using varieties such as Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Garnacha. At present, the production of these wines is frozen and is awaiting further regulatory developments by the Council.
Over the last few years, a lot of land has been planted with vines and the present 6,000 hectares covered by the DO is expected to increase to 10,000 in the near future as this production area is currently in vogue.
Information on grapes varities, climate conditions and planting systems.
AUTHORISED VARIETIES: The varieties authorised by the Regulating Council of DO Rueda are the whites Verdejo, Viura, Sauvignon Blanc and Palomino Fino. Verdejo is the main and preferred choice.
PLANTING DENSITY: La DO Rueda admite entre 1.100 y 5.000 cepas por hectárea. En vaso se establecen marcos de plantación de tres por tres metros y en espaldera de tres por un metro y medio de separación.
PRUNING SYSTEM: The Regulating Council permits head-pruning, espalier or cordon pruning. With regards spurs and buds, under no circumstances may the maximum limit of 40,000 buds per hectare be exceeded.
PRODUCTION AND OUTPUT: The maximum production admitted is 10,000 kg of grapes per hectare and the maximum output cannot exceed 72 litres of wine per 100 kilos of grapes.
CLIMATE AND SOIL: Generally speaking, the climate of DO Rueda is characterised by low to moderate rainfall (400-600 mm average a year), which, combined with the dry summers and long harsh winters with the marked difference in temperature between the seasons, classifies this as a continental Mediterranean climatel.
With regards the soil of Rueda, its texture falls between sand-loamy and loamy, typical of alluvial terraces. The terrain is often stony with good ventilation and draining and with limestone outcrops on the hilltops.
