Quinta Apolonia Belondrade Verdejo

Teaser

A young and fresh wine from the creators of the revolutionary Belondrade y Lurton. Crafted with Burgundian finesse, this pioneering Verdejo offers fresh aromas such as peach, grapefruit, and delicate white flowers. Fermented in French oak barrels, this wine marries tradition with innovation for an exceptional tasting experience. For optimal enjoyment, serve chilled to savor its refreshing palate fully.

Tasting Notes

The aroma is fresh and pristine, with hints of peach, grapefruit, crisp green apples, and delicate white flower fragrances, while its palate is refreshingly long, offering an exceptional display of fruity flavors. In contrast to typical Verdejos, often reminiscent of Sauvignon Blanc with grassy notes, this one presents a lighter and more delicate profile, elevating it to a superior Verdejo.

Background

Driven by his love for Spain and Verdejo, Didier Belondrade, an Air France veteran, brought Burgundian flair to Rueda in 1994 and revolutionized Spanish wine. Unlike others, he aged this local grape in French oak barrels, crafting the now-renowned Belondrade y Lurton. First, he started with rented vines and borrowed space, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit. Soon, his innovative masterpiece became a hit, and today they possess 30 hectares of diverse vineyards, meticulously chosen for optimal terroir expression. From humble beginnings, Belondrade has evolved into a renowned estate, offering both modern and traditional interpretations of Verdejo.

However, Belondrade's story isn't just about one iconic wine. Under the warm Castilian sun, their 30 hectares across 19 plots nurture Verdejo vines of varying ages, with the oldest at approximately 30 years. While Belondrade y Lurton undergoes a year in oak, Quinta Apolonia showcases the pure charm of Verdejo through a fresh, unoaked expression.

This duality reflects the essence of Belondrade: a winery bridging tradition and innovation, French influences seamlessly woven into the Spanish landscape. With Didier's son, Jean, now leading the way, their story continues to unfold, with each vintage serving as a testament to their enduring passion for Verdejo and this unique terroir.

Production Process

This wine is crafted solely from organically grown Verdejo grapes harvested by hand at Quinta San Diego estate. The vineyard comprises 23 plots with varied soil compositions, planting arrangements, and grape ages ranging from 8 to 30 years. The wine is a fusion of blends spontaneously fermented in diverse French oak barrels and vats, each with unique characteristics.

Pairing Suggestions

Pork, seafood, plant-based, and preserved meats.

Serving Temperature

Serve between 9°C and 10°C.