ABOUT: Cantalapiedra Viticultores is a collaboration between Isaac Cantalapiedra and his son Manuel in the Castilla y Leon wine region of Spain. They own 20 hectares total, of which 7 go into the wines under their label and the rest is sold to wineries in the area. Specifically, they are in the town La Seca which is inside the Rueda DO region known for the production of white wine made from Verdejo. They too specialize in Verdejo, but the wines they create are labeled Vdt (vino de la tierra). The reason for this is their desire to experiment with things like low or no sulphur, orange wines, wines made under flor, wilds yeasts, wild temperature controls, etc. They are certified organic with biodynamic leanings and the wines hardly resemble their neighbors. The Cantalapiedra family runs a forward thinking operation with a penchant for experimentation, and we are all the way on board and knocked out by their stellar Verdejo. TASTE: This Majuelo del Chiviritero is made from 100% Verdejo and is the ripest, richest, nuttiest version of this grape variety we’ve tasted. The grapes are hand harvested from a few hectares and fermentation is long, with wild yeasts in old French barrels on lees (no batonnage). Rather than bright and crisp, this wine is creamy and rich with ripe yellow fruit flavors, pears, golden delicious apples, lemons and melons, with savory herbs, almonds, baking spices, and salt. Development is under way and another ten years will extend the list of positive descriptors. PAIR:Manchego and Marcona almond pesto, baked eggs with roasted garlic, Chilaquiles, corn and rice casserole, and patatas bravas with garlic aioli..
