Here’s an interesting discovery for you. This stylish-looking “El Loco” de Finca La Colina placed third in the Spanish Verdejo category at Vivino’s 2019 Wine Style Awards.
High praise indeed. But a spot of research on the producers Vinos Sanz’s website reveals that this isn’t a single varietal Verdejo at all, but a blend of Verdejo and Sauvignon Blanc. Why that’s not mentioned on the label, I have no idea. I’m also not sure how much Sauv Blanc is in there — but it doesn’t taste like a huge amount.
People often compare Verdejo to Sauvignon Blanc, but this one, from the Rueda D.O. region of Spain (not far from the border with north-eastern Portugal) doesn’t exhibit many of the grape’s typical grassy gooseberry notes. This might be partially to do with oak ageing, which shoves the herbal characteristics out of the way in favour of a more syrupy vanilla flavour.
Instead, it’s a fruity mélange of orange, honey and melon, opening up to strong white and tropical fruit: especially banana and pear. An excellent summer wine, it would, of course, pair well with seafood or cheese.
I like the label too — it’s crazy like the name. There’s a touch of the Salvador Dali to it, and it seems to refer to some sort of split personality. Could this be linked to the two grapes used? If so, which is the crazy one… Verdejo or Sauvignon Blanc? I don’t have a clue, but I do enjoy a mystery.
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Vinos Sanz Finca La Colina El Loco 2018, 13% volume. Currently available for £12.10 from 8wines.com
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