Cien Duros White

Spain is a large and extraordinarily diverse wine country, with vineyard lands in virtually all sectors and a real wealth of varieties and styles.  To the southwest down the Mediterranean coast from Barcelona is the Levante, a warm region around Valencia and Murcia, which we find especially intriguing for the rich and delicious wine that are made there - yet so affordable.

Macabeo is a widely-grown white grape that is also known as Viura, and historically was most well-known as the primary varietal used in white Rioja wines (which were never the stars in Rioja that the reds have always been).  It does well in hot climates, and is best when consumed young and while its fresh character and bright acidity is highest.

Cien Duros, named for  500 peseta coin that was used in Spain until 2002, is refreshing and gentle, loaded with citrus and green apple fruit flavors, a nice floral touch and firm acids.  It is great as an aperitif white, but is probably best with white meat or seafood tapa dishes, mild cheeses and mushrooms, or the classic Valencia staple, seafood paella.