2019 Ossian Quintaluna Verdejo

Quintaluna is in fact a kind of 'second wine' from the famous house Ossian, located in southern Rueda. The name Quintaluna is an illusion to the fifth moon phase. After all, the domain is completely organic-bio. This means that you have to take the phases of the moon into account. A rigorous selection in the more than 150-year-old vineyards results in a small amount of the exclusive Ossian wine, considered the best white from Spain for several years.

The Quintaluna grapes come from a number of very small sandy vineyards located in the north of Segovia. They are planted in sandy soil. Most of them are very old vines from the pre-phylloxera period, not grafted and preserved because the sandy soil prevented the plague. The sticks are therefore more than 120 years old and some even more than 180 years. The hand-picked grapes are first kept in a cold room to preserve their aromatic qualities. After going through a meticulous selection process, they were carefully tamped and pressed. The fermentation took place in small stainless steel tanks with native yeasts. The wine remained on its lees (sur lie) in oak barrels and stainless steel for 12 months and is then bottle-aged.

Quintaluna expresses the freshness and authentic character of the Verdejo variety and is certainly not your average Verdejo but is an authentic complex wine. By deliberately low yields, Osssian wants to increase concentration and varietal typicity. With the 2017 vintage, the bottle and label have changed, but also the education and the wine matures for no less than nine months on its lees (sur lie) in oak barrels, which means a serious step-up in quality. The upbringing also ensures that the Quintaluna can easily remain in the cellar for 5 years. The 2019 vintage has been given a longer (sur lie) education than its predecessors and only became available in the last quarter of 2021.

The Ossian Quintaluna not only renews its image, but is a new wine with a new philosophy and another leap in quality. Ossian's 'entry-level wine' is not just any wine, because at Ossian they are mandatory. The expertise speaks immediately. In the glass, this pure 100% verdejo is a clear straw yellow, with beautiful tears. Beautifully ripe citrus fruits dominate the nose, with green apple and gooseberry. The Quintaluna is very balanced with good minerality and finesse. Unbelievably good value for money.