Rueda whites rival New Zealand

Rueda is poised to take market share away from New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, according to predictions by Clink Wines.

The region "has more to offer than any white wines from the New World", believes Clink's owner and director Catherine Monahan, and is capable of producing "Europe's best, bright, fresh, intense and reductively-made whites - Verdejo and Sauvignon Blanc".

Rueda's whites benefit from being fresher, brighter and more intense in terms of fruit than their New Zealand counterparts, and "can do it at prices that New Zealand just can't touch," Monahan said.

In recognition of this perceived trend, Clink has formed a partnership with Rueda's largest winery, Bodegas Copaboca. The family run operation was set up in 1919 and benefits from the winemaking skills of Jose Luis Madrid (ex-Marques de Riscal) and Andres Vargas (ex-Pernod Ricard).

The range includes Peramor; Gorgorito; Feroes; Copaboca-vertical, Copaboca-Bird - all DO Rueda - and Alva Mater, VDT-IGP comprising both Verdejo and Verdejo/Sauvignon blends.

Clink will also be developing exclusive Verdejo brands with the winery, including a 100 year Old Vine Verdejo and a Sur-Lie Verdejo. Copaboca also produces a range of Toro Joven and Roble wines under the above labels.

"Rueda offers a much better value proposition with their Verdejo, than anything out of New Zealand, with a lower carbon-footprint, faster supply chain fulfilment, and novelty that the consumer is searching for," Monahan added.