Telmo Rodríguez El Transistor Verdejo 2019
Telmo Rodríguez's 'El Transistor' is a pure and truly authentic expression of Verdejo grapes sourced from low-yielding, very old bush vines located in the Rueda region of Spain. Adopting simple and respectful winemaking practices, alongside Telmo's 20 years of experience and knowledge of this area, make El Transistor Verdejo a very consistent wine of great complexity. El Transistor derives its unusual name from Telmo's inspired solution of strategically placing a radio in the vineyards to ward off local wild-boar from eating the delicious fruit. Fermented and aged in wooden barrels and foudres of different sizes for up to 9 months, this wine is restrained and elegant with fresh green apples on the nose, accompanied by notes of bitter lemon and a floral, lime-blossom lift. The wine is still youthful, fresh and light with white peach and a grapefruit twist. There is a subtle, structured minerality which comes through as stony pebbles with a savoury hint. Very focused, there is a gentle smoothness to the texture which carries the wine forward across the palate towards a refreshing, citrus-pith finish. This would be lovely to drink soon but will also develop and broaden in complexity with age.