2013 Ossian Crianza

Barrel-fermented in French oak, on lees. The oak is subtle but present. On the palate it is quite dominant at the moment but it adds a lees/mealy complexity to the pure freshness of the Verdejo fruit. Very persistent. I think it will be better in another year or so as the oak recedes – and should age well if the 2010 (admittedly poured from magnum) is anything to go by. (JH)

The 2013 Ossian is pure Verdejo from old vines in the village of Nieva in Segovia, within the appellation of Rueda, but sold without the appellation -- as the wine was initially rejected because 'it lacked Rueda typicity.' Lacking Rueda typicity might now be considered a good thing by many, as the quality of a majority of wines from the popular appellation is appalling. It has a creamy nose with a mixture of freshly cut grass and orange peel, quite Verdejo, feeling fresh and young. The palate is very balanced and fresh with good acidity, almost citric, pure and delineated with nicely-integrated oak that is a lot less noticeable than in their earlier vintages. It has very good tension. This wine is a triumph over the vintage conditions. 40,000 bottles produced.