With its Rioja reputation, it began to be grown in the 1950's, when white wines were classically kept in wooden barrels. Since the virtues of the Verdejo had not yet been discovered, this variety gave an aristocratic touch to the Castilian table wines, and was grown for both full-bodied and popular table wines. This vine, known as Macabeo in Catalonia, has a medium-large pentagonal leaf, with a scratchy, hairy back. The clusters are medium or large and the berries are very round, with a sweet-sour juice. They also ripen more slowly. This grape variety is used in the "Rueda" type wines, together with the Verdejo variety, contributing extra lightness and a touch of acidity.
The Verdejo grape has been grown in the Denomination of Origin Rueda for over centuries. Its origins date back to the 11th century, to the times of king Alfonso VI, when the basin of the river Duero was repopulated with people from Cantabria, the Basque Country and the Muslim southern regions; it was very probably the latter, the so-called mozárabes, who brought the Verdejo variety from North Africa, after a period of adaptation in the south of Spain. It has a unique flavour, with a hint of scrub herbs, a fruity touch and an excellent level of acidity. The extract, a key factor when assessing the personality of great white wines, is perceived through its volume and its characteristic bitter touch, which leaves a glint of originality in the mouth, accompanied by a rich fruity expression. These wines are harmonious, and their aftertaste invites to go on drinking.
This variety, which originated from France's Loire region, was brought to Spain in the 1970's. It adds a floral element to the wine, with scents of grapefruit and passion fruit, as opposed to the flinty touch of the Loire' Sauvignon, a difference due mainly to a greater exposure to the sun compared with the Loire region and Bordeaux. However, they share the same short growth period, which in the French region is due to the northern latitude and, in Castile, to the region's altitude. It has a small, pentagonal leaf, small, compact clusters and a broad elliptical berry which ripens faster than the others. The D.O. Rueda pioneered the adoption of this French variety, bringing a modern and international character to the region.
The most important red Spanish gape variety. Tempranillo gives full or medium- bodied reds, with medium acidity, medium tannins and red fruit flavours (strawberry).
It might be used in small amounts to provide tannins, high acidity and more aromatic fruit.