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Ipsum

Ipsum

Ipsum Rueda is a wine made by Bodegas Hermanos del Villar in the Rueda DO region. Ipsum means ‘itself’ in Latin. By design, Ipsum is always un-oaked to emphasize the natural flavors of the grapes. As winemaker and proprietor Pablo del Villar explains, one sixth of Rueda’s vineyards are considered the best quality terroir; all of his vineyards are within this area. At Hermanos del Villar, the focus of the wine growing and winemaking is the personality of the place rather than the personality of the winemaker. The winemaking philosophy is to let the vineyards find direct expression, showing vibrant fruit, purity and a mineral identity. You could call Pablo’s wines “crushed liquid stones.” In English, Rueda means ‘wheel,’ similar to the big wheel on the label.

What makes this wine unique?

The wine is 100% un-oaked. The vineyards are tended in sandy and river stone soil. Ipsum is a clean, pure expression of Rueda. Vibrant and medium-bodied, it combines luscious tropical fruit, lovely citrus notes and subtle minerality. Its high elevation vineyards are situated at 719 meters (2,359 ft.) and this altitude brings cooler nights, which enhance greater acidity, aromas and zesty flavors in the wines.

Grape:

85% Verdejo and 15% Viura.

Pairing Suggestions:

This wine shows expressive white flower, clover and mineral aromas, with fresh, crisp fruit in the mouth. The wine shows great texture on the palate, which underscores its easy-to-drink character. This wine will pair with most casual foods, especially fish and white meats, and small plates like figs, jamon and goat cheese. This is also a great wine to sip during the hot summer months.

Vinification and ageing:

The grapes are harvested during the coolest nighttime hours to maximize the expressive aromas and flavors of the Verdejo and Viura grapes. The de-stemming process is carried out in the vineyard. In the winery, the unfermented juice is kept at cold temperature to avoid oxidation and a slow fermentation is completed with the natural yeast of the grapes. The wine is aged in stainless steel tank with no malolactic fermentation.

Production:

7,000 cases are made; 5,000 for the U.S.

Location, Soil, Climate:

The vineyards are located in the town of Rueda within the Rueda DO (Zone 2) in northwestern Spain, southwest of Ribera del Duero. At 719 meters (2,359 ft.) elevation, the bodega’s vineyards have a unique soil profile distinct from other vineyards in the region. A deep layer of river stones and sand provides good drainage and a healthy, dry environment for the grapes to ripen. The subsoil is composed of limestone and clay, which retains moisture for the vines, especially during the dry, active growing season. The soils are excellent at retaining heat, which keeps the vines warm and continues the ripening process through the cool nights. The soil is poor in organic matter and encourages low vigor and low yields, both of which result in grapes with superior aroma and flavor intensity. For climate, the area’s average temperature from April-October is 61.4ºF. Here, the Continental climate is characterized by cold nights, hot days and dry conditions due to moderately low rainfall (16.4 inches) per year. These conditions give the grapes a longer ripening period. The higher altitude ensures cooler nights, a key to retaining acidity in the grapes. The resulting wines are fresh and crisp, with greater complexity and aromatic intensity. In Rueda, temperatures are slightly warmer and there is lower rainfall than Ribera del Duero. The harvest in Rueda usually takes place in early September.

Tasting notes:

With a pale green color, Ipsum showcases bright citrus and white flower aromas. On the palate the wine is electric, lots of bright acidity and minerality.
Notes by Patrick Mata.

Alcohol Content:

12.5%

UPC Code:

8437008409306