Explore the Rueda wine region of Spain without having to leave home

The Spanish D.O.(Designation of Origin) Rueda is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, and they want wine lovers to join in the festivities.

Here in Canada, the region will be marking its 40th year with three consumer events: a curated region wine case through the new Passport Exchange Program with Wine Align (currently available for purchase), an educational online wine class with Master Sommelier Bruce Wallner (taking place September 22) and a Wine Night Instagram Live with wine expert, Angela Aiello to mark the beginning of fall on October 5.

Rueda was the first established wine region in Castilla y León, 170 km northwest of Madrid.  With 72 municipalities in the provinces of Valladolid, Segovia and Avila, the region boasts 73 wineries and is one of the only areas in Europe to have pre-phylloxera vineyards. The wineries of Rueda specialize in the production and development of Verdejo, their 1000 year-old indigenous grape variety.

D.O. Rueda’s wine production dates back to the 16th Century when King Alfonso VI gifted the lands of the region to monasteries.  Now the area hosts 1,500 vine-growers, and 16 wineries producing organic wines with two more awaiting certification. Bodega Matarromera and José Pariente are recognized for developing sustainable management systems and ecological viticulture. Cuatro Rayas and Bodegas Moha produce organic wines, Diez Siglos produce high demand, vegan certified wines and Marqués De Cáceres and Beronia Rueda are family run vineyards.

Through this 40th anniversary celebration, wine enthusiasts will have the chance to taste a selection of 23 award-winning wines from D.O Rueda available across Canada through government licensed stores and wine agencies. Verdejo is a top-selling white wine in Spain, and through these events, wine lovers will be able to tour Rueda, Spain, from Canada while sipping on the wines this region has to offer.

D.O. Rueda Consumer Events

Wine and dine at home with Winealign’s Passport to Rueda case and Eatertainment’s Spanish Tapas dinner

Grab a glass and a corkscrew and let Wine Align deliver a curated wine package featuring 6 bottles of wine from D.O. Rueda from their new Passport Series. Sommeliers, and wine panel, John Szabo (MS), David Lawrson (wine critic), Steve Thurlow (wine critic), Sara D’Amato (sommelier and wine critic) and Margaret Swaine (wine critic), curated the case of their favorite wines from the region that Ontarian oenophile are sure to enjoy. The wine cases include the following wines: Jose Pariente Fermentado en Barrica Verdejo, AYRE Verdejo, Sapientia, Nekora, El Bufon 2019, Montesol Sauvignon 2019.  The case cost $320 and has been flying off the shelves. Click here to learn more.

If you’re looking to elevate your Spanish wine tasting experience, Eatertainment has curated a dinner inspired by the Spanish tapas experience that can be enjoyed in the comfort (and safety) of your own home).  Dishes include Grilled Octopus with Piquillo Peppers,Mushroom and Manchego Croquettas with roasted garlic aioli, Traditional Gazpacho, Olives, artichokesand onions in olive oil, Paprika spiced chips.  You can even add a bottle (or more) of wine from the DO Rueda to accompany your meal, if you couldn’t get your hands on one of the Wine Align cases that is. The box will run you $100 plus the cost of wine.  Order here. 

Virtual Master Sommelier Tasting: September 22

One of only five Master Sommeliers in Canada, and 266 in the world, Master Sommelier Bruce Wallner, will be presenting a class on te Verdejo grape and D.O. Rueda region that’s sure to be equal parts entertaining and enticing. This virtual trip to Spain will feature a presentation on the region, informative tasting notes, and a talk with one of the winemakers from the region. Canadian wine connoisseurs can navigate the subtle notes of the expressive Verdejo grape with Wallner with a case of three or six wines.  Click here to purchase. Wines featured include: Finca Montepedroso 2018, Oinoz Rueda Verdejo, Sapientia, Jose Galo Rueda Verdejo, Castillo de la Mota, Montesol Verdejo 2019.

 

Super Wine Girl’s Instagram Live Wine Review: October 5

Toronto’s resident wine expert, Angela Aiello, is bringing wine education to Instagram Live with a tasting event of D.O. Rueda’s wines. This discussion focuses on 10 wines available at the LCBO and SAQ stores for an accessible addition to the ultimate friend’s night in, or perfect for a social distancing picnic. Wine lovers can pre-purchase the wine(s) from the LCBO and SAQ and login to hear Aiello discuss the wines from the region: Vendimia Nocturna Verdejo, Excellens Sauvignon Blanc, Beronia, Dominio De La Granadilla Verdejo, Marques de Riscal Verdejo, Garciarévalo Finca Tres Olmos- Lias Verdejo 2018, Honoro Vera Blanco, Protos Verdejo 2019, El Petit Bonhomme Blanc, Verdejo Organic Rueda Agricola Castellana, 2019.  Click here to follow Angela and prepare for your tasting experience.

https://www.dorueda.com/

This post is a paid partnership with D.O. Rueda and ADDICTED Media Inc. 

Nadia Elkharadly

Nadia Elkharadly

Nadia Elkharadly is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of Addicted Magazine. Her myriad of addictions include music, fashion, travel, technology, boxing and trying to make the world a better place. Nadia is also a feminist, an animal lover, and a neverending dreamer. Keep up with her on social media through @thenadiae.
Nadia Elkharadly