Oro de Castilla Verdejo Rueda 2007

"Oro de Castilla" means "gold of Castile" in Spanish, and that is exactly what this wine is, pure gold. It's crisp, fruity yet dry, and inexpensive. Bursting with tropical fruits and almonds, yummy with any chicken dish, or as a refreshing aperitif.

Yellow green straw colour, with strong aromas of exotic fruits (mango), citric (grapefruit, lime), white flowers and a hint of scrub herbs. Tasty, fresh, well balanced on the palate. Well rounded and voluminous with superb acidity in the mouth. Overtones of fennel and apple with an elegant bitter finish.

The 2005 Oro de Castilla is 100% Verdejo fermented and raised in stainless steel. Medium straw-colored, it offers lovely aromas of melon, honey, and citrus with a hint of mineral in the background. It is almost creamy on the palate with excellent depth and richness, lacking only the complexity necessary to merit an outstanding rating. Drink it over the next 2 years.

The 2007 Oro de Castilla is 100% Verdejo aged in stainless steel. Medium straw-colored, citrus aromas dominate with pit fruits in the background. On the palate it has excellent weight with a viscous, creamy texture, persistent flavors, and a lengthy finish. It will provide pleasure over the next two years. It is another example of just how good Verdejo can be (usually at a bargain price).

The 2009 Oro de Castilla is 100% Verdejo with arresting aromas of mineral, baking spices, honeysuckle, and tropical notes. Concentrated, vibrant, and lengthy, it will provide pleasure over the next 12-18 months.

Pale gold. Vibrant, mineral-driven aromas of lemon, grapefruit and quince, with subtle anise and leesy notes adding depth. A precise, vibrant midweight, offering refreshingly bitter citrus and pear skin flavors and bracing minerality. This is surprisingly deep for such a nervy wine, and would be great with richer shellfish dishes.

A hot summer day calls for relaxation outside on the patio with a nice refreshing white wine, and Oro de Castilla has provided just that. The nose is similar to the aromas in one's flower bed, but also with a hint of exotic fruits. Upon first taste, the flavor of mango is prominent, followed by the zest of citrus fruits, and eventually closing with a lasting apple finish. Pair this soft, rich wine with a fish dinner or even a salad, and let yourself relax on a warm summer evening.