2021 Cantalapiedra Viticultores Lirondo

In an area that would otherwise be far too hot and arid for viable grape production, the cooling influence of altitude here allows the vines to thrive and produce healthy Verdejo grapes. Planted at 750m, the Lirondo vineyards have the perfect conditions for producing this variety – at lower altitudes the climate is severely continental, with large diurnal ranges. However, the stabilising effect of altitude reduces the temperature variation, and the lower night temperatures allow the grapes to ripen slowly, retaining that all important freshness and acidity.

Cantalapiedra Viticultores is a family project set up by father and son team, Isaac and Manuel, in 2014 – they pride themselves on producing wines using minimal intervention and in a way that protects the environment. Hand-harvested, when they hit the winery, the grapes are pressed, and the juice stays in contact with the skins for 12 hours. Fermented in stainless steel (to preserve the fresh fruit characteristics of Verdejo) with native yeasts, the wine is then lees-aged for 8 months. When bottled, it is done so without the addition of sulphur and remains unfiltered, giving it a slightly hazy appearance.

Stone fruit, baked apples and brioche aromas lead onto a soft and weighty palate with crisp minerality, and acidity with a balancing touch of bitter herbs. Despite being technically a ‘natural wine’, please, do not be put off! This wine is not weird or ‘out-there’, it’s actually a very good introduction to the world of natural wines without being too funky. Try with flavoursome rice dishes such a seafood paella, poultry, or tapas.