Hermanos Lurton

The Lurton brothers have always been motivated by a challenge. While being well known for its red wines, Spain was not yet reputed for its whites. Jacques and François Lurton took on this audacious challenge when they set up in the Rueda region of Spain. Little known at the time, it now stands as the best white wine region in Spain.

The white wines are produced with Verdejo, and it is the centerpiece of the Rueda white, augmented by smaller proportions of Viura and Sauvignon Blanc. While the Verdejo provides weight, length, and aromas and flavors of peaches and apricots, the Viura and Sauvignon add spiciness and crisp acidity. This unique white is considered one of the finest examples of the modern style in the region.

Though historically known for white wines, Rueda recently was also officially recognized (D.O. status 2000) for its fine reds, previously labeled under the broader geographic designation of Castilla y Leon. The vineyards here are very old; bush-vines planted in deep, rocky soils on the alluvial river plain.

The Tempranillo grape produces flavorful and sturdy reds in the arid terriors surrounding the Valladolid. The wine produced has a dark garnet red color and spicy nose, with touches of leather and hints of toast, symbolic of how the Tempranillo variety has to suffer from the arid climate and stony soils of the region. It stands out by its remarkable fresh crispness and velvety texture, leaving the palate with sensations of vanilla and soft fruit, backed by a subtle touch of woodiness.