Spanish white table whites are known for their diversity of styles, ranging from light, fresh and fruity to the most structured, with good aging capacity
The, recognized worldwide by its full -bodied red wines, is also an important high quality producer who have been gaining notoriety and market in the last decade. Spanish white table wines are known for their diversity of styles, ranging from light, fresh and fruity to structured white, with good aging capacity. In general, these wines have a balanced acidity, aromas that refer to citrus, tropical and floral fruits, and in some cases mineral or herbaceous notes. The main white wines producing zones in Spain include low ribs in Galicia, famous for the fresh wines of Albariño; Rueda, in Castilla Y Leon, Great Bastion of the Green Grape; La Rioja, who uses Macabeo (known locally as Viuu) in his guardian whites and Penedès, in Catalonia, the cradle of many sparkling wines, where the macabeo is widely used.
Two of the most relevant grapes in the scenario of Spanish white wines are macabeo and green, each with distinct profiles, specific traditions of cultivation and prominence in particular regions. Macabeo is a versatile white grape that produces wines with good acidity, floral, citrus notes and, when aged, develops honey aromas, dry fruits and spices. In young wines, it is fresh and aromatic; In guard wines, it becomes complex and elegant. It is widely used in La Rioja, for the production of quiet white wines, including versions with carvalho and good aging potential. Already in Catalonia (Penedès), is one of the three main grapes of the cava (along with paddic and xarelia it).
Macabeo is usually cultivated in regions of continental or Mediterranean climate. It is a variety resistant to oxidation, which favors its mechanized harvesting and transportation to winemaking, enabling the offer of more affordable wines to the end consumer. The harvest is made at the beginning of the fall, seeking to maintain acidity and freshness. Macabeo young wines are ideal for consumption within 2 years. Already the aged wines (particularly whites reserve and Gran Reserva do Rioja) can evolve for 5 to 10 years, or more, depending on the winery and crop.
The green, in turn, is an aromatic grape that produces fresh wines, with vibrant acidity and intense aromas of tropical fruits, fresh herbs and mineral touches. Its structure allows both young wines and more complex versions, including fermented in barrel. In Rueda (Castile and Leão), it is the emblematic grape of the denomination of origin, where it represents most of whites production. Cultivated mainly at high altitudes (600 to 800 meters), where cold nights help preserve their acidity. Often, harvest occurs at night to minimize oxidation and maintain aromatic compounds. It can be done manually or mechanically. The young wines of green are ideal between 1 and 3 years. Wines with more selective wood or harvest can evolve for 4 to 6 years, maintaining good complexity and balance.
Macabeo wines harmonize well with grilled fish (bass, hake), soft cheeses (such as brie or Camembert), mushroom dishes and pasta with white sauce and especially paellas and seafood risottos. The green wines combine with seafood and oysters, salads with fresh herbs and fruits and also with sushi and sashimi.
From Macabeo, I suggest that Prove the Cardonnay, Chardonnay, Macabeo Blanco, which is dry and fruity at the same time, being very gastronomic; Finca Luzón Blanco is fresh, fruity, but at the same time, elegant and very persistent; And La Muela Macabeo Dop, from Bodega San Gregorio, is of good structure, complex and fresh at the same time.
Da Verdejo, I start with Castilla’s affordable Belo Verdejo, which appears as an excellent choice for everyday life; Reda’s green nude has acidity and complexity and is very gastronomic; And Telmo Rodriguez’s Basa Rueda is a green (preponderant) and macabeo cut, it is a delicious white, of great acidity, expressive and incredibly aromatic. I recommend special attention to Spanish white wines, which surprise in quality, versatility and even cost. Health!
*This text does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the young Pan.
