‘Enhebro’ is a Spanish play on words, a fusion of ‘enebro’ (which is juniper, and which grows in abundance around the vineyards where this wine comes from) and ‘enhebrar’, (‘to thread’). Hence the labels showing a juniper bush being threaded through a needle… The Spanish cooperative La Vina are based between Valencia and Alicante at the head of the Vall dels Alforins, and what they believe they are threading together is their terroir, their native grape varieties and the cultural wealth passed down by generations of winemakers all together with the modern world. This white wine is tight and pithy, crisp and pure, like lime juice with fennel, dill and a twist of salt. It is fresh and energetic, and you’d never guess it was made in quite hot place. It is made from a blend of two grape varieties. Merseguera (aka Verdosilla) is known up and down the east coast of Spain, and tends to supply herbaceous, bitter almond flavours. But Verdil has been rescued from complete extinction by local winemaker and co-op member Daniel Belda, and now only exists in a few plantings right here in the Vall dels Alforins. In isolation, it tends to supply apple and pineapple notes in a tensely structured wine. The combination of the two varieties in the Enhebro Blanco makes a highly-recommended, cheap little marvel. (NT 13/05/25)

Origin

Valencia, Spain - other, Spain SPAIN

Colour

white

Wine Style

dry

Dominant Grape

Verdil

Closure Style

cork

Maturity

ready

Bottle Size

75cl

Case Quantity

6

Alcohol

14%

Wine Score