Ipsum

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Ipsum is produced in the Rueda region located in the high elevation Castilian plateau, about 2 hours northwest of Madrid. Ipsum means, "itself" in Latin. The goal with Ipsum is to highlight the purity and bright flavors of the Verdejo variety in a naked form. Often times Verdejo wines are improperly “enhanced” during fermentation by using commercial yeasts that change the flavor that Mother Nature intended. As the name Ipsum (Itself) manifests, Ipsum is a naked, authentic expression of this pretty grape. The Verdejo vines that are selected to make Ipsum, come from a high elevation vineyard located on the northwest side of the village of Rueda. This vineyard is unique because of its high content of sand and river stone in the soil. This type of soil is very special because it imparts an element of vibrancy, tension and minerality that sets this Verdejo apart from other Verdejo's grown in sandy soils.

WHAT MAKES THIS WINE UNIQUE?
The wine is 100% un-oaked. Tended in high elevation vineyards of sand and river stone soil. Ipsum is a clean, pure expression of Rueda. Vibrant, mineral and full of tension. Its high elevation vineyards are situated at 719 meters (2,359 ft.) This altitude brings cooler nights, which enhance greater acidity, aromas and zesty flavors in the wines.

RATING HISTORY:
2015 89VM; 2012 88IWC; 2011 88IWC

GRAPE:
100% Verdejo. Organically grown vines planted from 1989 - 2009. Tended in sandy and river stone soil at 719 m (2,359ft) elevation.This is a vegan wine.

PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
This wine shows expressive white flower, clover and mineral aromas, with fresh, crisp fruit in the mouth. The wine shows great texture on the palate, which underscores its easy-to-drink character. This wine will pair with most casual foods, especially fish and white meats, and small plates like figs, jamon and goat cheese. This is also a great wine to sip during the hot summer months.

VINIFICATION AND AGING:
The grapes are harvested during the coolest nighttime hours to maximize the expressive aromas and flavors of the Verdejo grapes. The de-stemming process is carried out in the vineyard. In the winery, the unfermented juice is kept at cold temperature to avoid oxidation and a slow fermentation is completed with the natural yeast of the grapes. The wine is aged in stainless steel tank with no malolactic fermentation.

LOCATION, SOIL, CLIMATE:
The vineyards are located in the town of Rueda within the Rueda DO (Zone 2) in northwestern Spain, southwest of Ribera del Duero. At 719 meters (2,359 ft.) elevation, the vineyards have a unique soil profile distinct from other vineyards in the region. Because of a deep layer of limestone and chalk, the soil is poor in organic matter and encourages low vigor and low yields, both of which result in grapes with superior aroma and flavor intensity. For climate, the area's average temperature from April-October is 61.4F. Here, the Continental climate is characterized by cold nights, hot days and dry conditions due to moderately low rainfall (16.4 inches) per year. These conditions give the grapes a longer ripening period. The higher altitude ensures cooler nights, a key to retaining acidity in the grapes. The resulting wines are fresh and crisp, with greater complexity and aromatic intensity. In Rueda, temperatures are slightly warmer and there is less rainfall than in Ribera del Duero. The harvest in Rueda usually takes place in early September.

TASTING NOTES:
Light green-tinged yellow. Aromas of grapefruit, green apple and jasmine develop a dusty mineral nuance in the glass. Lively and incisive on the palate, offering nervy citrus and orchard fruit flavors and a hint of anise. Shows firm cut and tangy lift on the finish, which hangs on with good floral-tinged tenacity. -- Josh Raynolds

ALCOHOL CONTENT:
13.0%

UPC CODE:
810411010914

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