When I was twelve years old my family spent a week in Spain over spring break, where I fell head over heels in love with the country. I simply couldn't imagine anywhere else in the world could be more beautiful and vibrant. So it only makes sense that nine years later I'd fall in love with Spanish wines. The bold, spicy reds and fresh, vivacious whites were just so much more alive and expressive than any other wine I'd experienced before. That first bottle of Spanish wine (a Rioja crianza) turned what had been a strictly platonic liking of wine into a full-blown infatuation and led me to where I am today.
Since Spain is to blame for all of this I thought it only fitting to start this off with Shaya, an old vine Verdejo from Rueda and one of my favorite white wines of all time.
This medium-bodied white is 100% Verdejo with notes of mango, white peach, apricot and honey. Crisp minerality and vibrant acidity lead to a surprisingly creamy finish. It is an absolutely gorgeous wine, perfect for the miserably hot summer that's ahead!
Glad to see that trip to Spain paid off! Agree with this being the best Verdejo I've had.
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