El Enhebro Blanco 2023

Before anything else, we’re (quite proudly) wine explorers—champions of the delicious and uncommon…like this cleverly named beaut from Spain’s sunny Valencia region. If you like your white wine, you’ll want to read on.

It was the unusual grapes of Verdil and Merseguera that first drew our intrepid expert, Sarah Everden, to El Enhebro. The former is so rare, it’s nearly extinct, with only ~124 acres planted as of late 2019 (recent stats are even harder to come by). This blend is an uncommon duo to be sure (not something you’re likely to see at the big retailers) that was woven together (see below) by rising star winemaker Marta Martínez. Impressed, Sarah snapped up every bottle she had left—which wasn’t much, as all those thirsty Valencianos had already claimed their shares.

What’s it taste like? Fresh, fresh, fresh! Distinctive citrus flavors with a hint of almond and just-cut wild herbs will shine in your glass. Making paella anytime soon? El Enhebro will play up the saffron and briny shellfish. Or, if that’s all a bit fancy, any simply steamed fish or roasted white meats will be equally tasty, as will plain ol’ rice and beans. Just don’t delay ordering…we’re predicting this won’t stay put for long.

*Fun fact: El Enhebro is a mashup of the Spanish words enebro (a local juniper bush) and enhebrar (as in ‘to thread’ a needle)—artfully depicted on the label. Pretty AND delicious. The total package!