Álvarez y Díez, Rueda DO (Castilla y León, Spain) Sauvignon Blanc 2020

 Prior to the widespread availability of temperature-controlled fermentation vessels, the Rueda region was mostly known for fortified wines in a style we associate now only with Sherry.  That style fell into serious commercial disfavor about four decades ago, at which time a lot of Sauvignon Blanc was planted along with Verdejo and alongside lots of Viura.  Sauvignon Blanc had by far the best international name recognition, but didn’t really out-perform Verdejo in most sites, and was consequently phased out by most growers and bodegas.  Thankfully, the vines behind this wine survived, as it shows true Sauvignon character that sets it off clearly from this house’s excellent Verdejo.  The tell-tale notes are of dried herbs and freshly cut grass, but whereas many Sauvignons show these notes on account of under-ripeness, this is both generously ripe and still varietal in character.  Rich for the variety, but also admirably “cut” and defined with energetic acidity, this is terrific and very well suited to spring and summer.