Rueda Wine Region

Rueda wine appellation is a mainly white wine-growing area that is widely known across Europe since the middle ages. The region is located in the province of Avilla, a subregion of Castile and Leon, in central Spain. Rueda wines are well-known for their white wines made from Verdejo grapes and are among the best in Spain. The wine-making technique of the Rueda region dates back to the 10th century. The majority of producers in Rueda have always practiced organic farming, despite the fact that it has recently become more popular throughout the wine industry.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Rueda!

Where is the Rueda wine region?

Located in the province of Avilla, the Rueda wine appellation is a part of Castile and Leon in the heart of Spain. The Duero River travels westward from the east over the area into the Atlantic Ocean. The region is separated into two halves, with the southern half being larger than the northern section. The majority of the vineyards in Rueda are located south of the river and extend all the way to Segovia. The vines are cultivated on approximately 13500 hectares mostly with Verdejo. The region boasts around 1500 grape growers supplying 67 wineries.

History of the Rueda wine region

Wine production and trade flourished in the Rueda region during the reign of King Alfonso VI in the 11th century by the immigrants and religious orders. Historically, the region has always been cultivating the Verdejo grapes to produce wines until the phylloxera infestation wiped out the entire vineyards. The region incorporated the Palomino Fino to make fortified wines after the infestation, until the 1970s, due to its resistant characteristics. The Verdejo grapes flourished again after the 1970s and the region received DO status in 1980. The red and rose wines were also added to the DO regulation in 2008. 

The terroir and geography of the Rueda wine region

Rueda wine appellation is mostly flat highlands at an altitude of 600-800 meters above sea level. The region is hot with a high difference in temperature in a day. The arid environment and rocky soils of the region make Verdejo, Rueda's renowned grape, perfect. The soils are dark brown and gray, mostly alluvial soils that contain high limestones. In the south, the soils are mostly sandy mixed with pebbles and rocks. The soil lacks nutrients and organic content but is rich in minerals. The region has continental influence with cool breezes flowing from the Atlantic Ocean across the region. The area is gifted with ample sun exposure and rainfall. Late spring frosts are possible in the area. Crops can also be harmed by hail, strong winds, and freezing fog.

Popular grape varieties from the Rueda wine region

Verdejo is the most favored grape variety in the region and it thrives in the area's hot, daily temperature variations, and well-drained soil. The variety has been grown in the region since the early 11th century and was commercially successful until the phylloxera infestation. 

This indigenous variety has been grown in Rueda since the 11th century. 

Other grape varietals grown in the Rueda region are as follows:

Red Varietals: Palomino Fino, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Garnacha.

White Varietals: Verdejo, Sauvignon Blanc, Viura, Chardonnay, and Viognier.

Food to pair with Rueda wine 

Calamares encebollados

Calamares encebollado is a classic Spanish dish that is ideal if you have less time for preparing and have the urge to have a special and fulfilling appetizer. Frequently served as a tapa, the dish uses squid as the main ingredient along with onions, garlic, olive oil, bay leaves, parsley, white wine, and salt. The dish is prepared by slowly sauteing the onions, garlic and bay leaves in olive oil. Then pieces of squid are also sauteed after the onions have caramelized. Pour white wine into the mix and cook it slowly until the alcohol has evaporated. The dish is usually garnished with parsley before serving. 

This amazing appetizer perfectly complements the wines from Rueda.

Espetos

Espetos is a typical Spanish dish that originated in Andalusia. Espetos are simply grilled sardines that have been a part of Spanish cuisine since the 19th century. The dish was invented by fishermen who grilled the surplus sardines in skewers. The dish is simple and needs just olive oil, sea salt, lemon, and wood fire. The sardines are grilled until they turn golden brown and sprinkled with salt and lemon juice. Traditionally the dish calls for fattier sardines that enhance the flavor and taste. Usually, 6 sardines are placed on a skewer before grilling. Espetos are better paired with verdejo wines from the Rueda region. 

Pulpitos fritos

Pulpitos fritos simply are crispy fried octopuses that are said to have originated from Andalusia. The recipe comprises pan-seared baby octopus, which is a typical Spanish seafood dish. The ingredients for Pulpitos Fritos are baby octopuses, garlic, parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Traditionally, the octopus is marinated in olive oil along with sea salt, garlic, parsley, and lemon juice. The dish is made in the skillet to help maintain heat and cook the dish evenly. The marinated octopus is seared until brown on all sides. This dish is best served when hot. 

Do not forget to pair it up with wines from Rueda!

Places to visit in the Rueda wine region

Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion

Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion is located in the bustling road of Rueda and is difficult to ignore for its extravagant exterior as well as interior. The church was built during the 16th century and it is well preserved to date. The church boasts a magnificent pulpit and baptismal font that is more than 200 years old. The masonry and doorways are fascinating and date back to the 17th century. The altarpiece inside is beautiful and is one of the outstanding Baroque works in Rioja. 

The church was designated as a Cultural Asset by the Ministry of culture and sports in late 2020.

Castle La Mota

Although Castle La Mota doesn’t lie in the Rueda Municipality, one must visit this famous castle that is just 13 minutes away from the Rueda region. Built as a fortress in the Middle Ages in the Moorish period, the castle is located in the Medina del Campo in the province of Valladolid. The castle is built on an elevated hill which is called Mota in Spanish, that's how the castle was named. The construction of the fortress started in 1080 to fortify the village in the Moorish period. The castle was later transformed into a prison and in the late 15th century, the fortress underwent a major makeover to become one of the finest fortresses in all of Europe. 

Most of the parts of this fortress can be visited free of cost, however, some require a paid pass. 

The castle received national monument status in 1904. If you are visiting the Rueda wine region or somewhere near, a visit to this palace is a must. 

Frequently asked questions about Rueda