We have spoken in the past about Denominaciones de Origen (Designations of Origin – D.O.) which basically indicate the geographic region in which a wine has been produced and guarantee certain characteristics of their elaboration. Today we are going to focus particularly on the Rueda Denominación. Rueda is a region belonging to the Autonomous Community of Castile and León, specialising in the production of high-quality white wines, and it is defined by a continental Mediterranean climate, gravelly soils, and the Verdejo variety. In addition, while the majority of vineyards in the region are Verdejos, since 2008 it has also hosted red and rosé wines.

New colours for the Rueda wines

Since the latter part of 2018, Rueda has undergone a radical change in its image. We are not referring solely to its logo or its website, but also to the design of its strips. Located on the back of the bottles, they indicate to us the different varieties of wine that we can encounter and let us know that they comply with the elaboration standards of the D.O. The brand has completely changed its labels, opting for a novel and refreshing format.

Where previously the names of the varieties were situated, now one can see the new version of the Rueda logo, easily recognisable. This seal of identity of the brand is also a certification of the Regulatory Board of Rueda. Combining this with a unique stamp of the label, an effective and immediate visual definition is achieved which carries with it the weight of so many years of trust and security. Here we also find, as always, the control number of each bottle.

Now you may be wondering… how is identification carried out? Well, through a system of colours. The strips are designed in five shades, each one representing one of the wine types which form part of the Denominación. Thus, we can find the following labels on the back of certified bottles:

A meaning for each colour

• Green: Verdejo. Elaborated with at least 85% of the Verdejo variety. They are wines of a straw-like yellow colour, dry, and have excellent acidity. They possess elegant fruity aromas with herbaceous notes. On the palate they present a good structure and body, with plenty of fruitiness.
• Orange: Rueda. Elaborated with at least 50% of the Verdejo variety. Young wines, smooth and fresh, with floral notes. Due to the (relatively) low concentration of Verdejo, its characteristics are attenuated.
• Blue: Sauvignon. Elaborated with at least 85% Sauvignon Blanc. Pleasant in the mouth and with intense aromas. It possesses an enduring aftertaste and aromatic reminders of tropical fruits. It has a minimum alcohol content of 11°.
• Grey: Sparkling. Obtained through secondary fermentation in the bottle, and with a maturation of at least 9 months. They can be semi-dry (>50% Verdejo) or Brut (>85% Verdejo). While they conserve their delicacy, they have great potential for fruitiness.
• Golden: Dorado. Dry and oxidised wines, with a minimum maturation of 2 years in oak barrels. Due to this long process, they possess a lightly roasted aroma and taste.

This new system allows for fast and simple identification of the wines, while also providing the same guarantee of quality as ever. The convenience of this innovatory norm lies in its legibility and simplicity, of high visual impact.

Our MOFO

Among the various wines with which we work at Vinitor Wine Group, MOFO – The Free Soul bears the green standard of the Rueda denominación de origen. As we have mentioned, wines with this colour strip contain at least 85% of the Verdejo variety. In this case, MOFO – The Free Soul is a 100% Verdejo. Elaborated from 18-year-old vines, this single-varietal wine possesses intense herbal aromas with citrus notes, which combine perfectly with the sweet notes of peach. With good acidity, it is crisp and pleasant in the mouth. Like any good “free soul”, it is expressive and lively, and we highlight in particular its fruity and herbaceous aromas. Without doubt, this wine, with its expression of nature and intensity, bears out its name to perfection.