Bodega Campo Elíseo - Cuvée Alegre Rueda 2018

Bodega Campo Elíseo - Cuvée Alegre Rueda 2018 (89 TSW)
No. 88 of the 2019 Top 100 - @wine_spectator - First Rueda wine to receive this recognition.

François Lurton and Dany and Michel Rolland met in the 1980s, embarking on their professional journey into the world of wine. Since then, they have shared a close friendship and the same winemaking philosophy that brought them to Campo Eliseo, their joint undertaking in Spain.
Their aim: to make high-end wines in Toro and Rueda from Tinta de Toro and Verdejo grapes, using their own winemaking methods.

In 2013, Bodega Campo Eliseo expanded naturally into the neighbouring Rueda appellation, a terroir which François Lurton knows well, having worked there since the 1990s. A unique cellar was built, combining tradition and modernity, to serve a vineyard at the heart of the appellation, on the great plateaux of La Seca, on the banks of the River Duero, in a quest for the noblest expression of the Verdejo grape.

The juice is fermented in3 equal parts: - One-third, in egg-shaped concretetanks. This shapefacilitates the natural movement of wine(convection effect) in thetank, thatcontinually and naturallysteers the lees. The suspended lees particles in the wine, bring roundness and helps de;ne the aromatic complexity. - One-third, in "Demi-Muids" new French oak barrels (600 liters). The Alcohol fermentation in new oak brings structure to the wine and a great richness. - And the remainder in stainless-steel tank. This is the classic way of fermenting white
wines, which concentrates thefresh fruitaromatics.

My tasting notes:

In the glass a bright citrus yellow color with greenish rim.
On the medium(+) nose aromas of pineapple, quince and lemon with hints of white blossom, light cedar and vanilla.
On the palate dry, medium(+) bodied with medium acidity, light oily and fine freshness. Flavours of lime, green apple, pear, mandarine and dried fruit with a light almond aftertaste.

Goes great with white meats (veal, poultry...) and fish, especially when served with a sauce.