Winemaker of the Year - Pilar García Duque - ‘Best of Rueda’ - Tim Atkin Top 100 2024

"Understanding wine as a work of art, from the earth to the glass." to quote Juan de Benito who runs this family estate with his brother Alvaro. Created originally in 1941 by Modesto Alvarez Romero and Eladio Diez Ossorio, Alvarez y Diez is now one of the most important producers in Spain, and pioneers in creating the fresh, herbaceous whites that are now commonly associated with Rueda.  Working largely with 65-year-old vines on a soil that has deep seated moisture retention in the clay, ensures that the grapes are an absolute reflection of the terroir. The wines are stored in the ancient cellars of an old church. Grapes are hand harvested during the cool of the night and undergo cold soaks prior to crushing, anaerobic winemaking and temperature controlled fermentation. Hot days and cool nights help balance fruit and acidity, providing both balance and zing.