Pucela Viura Sauvignon Blanc 2008 is a mid-priced, dry white wine that delivers a pleasant drinking experience. It’s not fancy, but it is light and doesn’t have an overly sweet, thick effect when consumed. This makes it useful on the table as a good before-dinner sip, a during-dinner swig, and a between-course palate freshener.
Credit: MK Cornett for The Penguin.
It’s a Spanish wine that’s half Viura (also known as Macabeo) and half Sauvignon blanc. Both components are dry, but Sauvignon blanc tends to be tart. The moderately acidic Viura mutes that tartness, while the Sauvignon blanc lends zing to the Viura. It’s what makes Pucela work for those who find Sauvignon blanc alone to be too sharp.
Pucela’s acidic quality gives the palate a nice snap — a bit of sharpness that then goes away. There’s also a hint of apple and pear to it, but it comes without layering flavor after flavor. This is no alcoholic smoothie. Like a crisp apple, the flavors are not overpowering or overly sweet.
The wine has hardly any aftertaste, a blessing when serving delicate or subtle dishes like fish, pasta or salads. Pucela is also perfect for serving after a cheese or vegetable appetizer, for cleansing the palate before the main course, or as an accompaniment for chicken or dishes with apples or pears. Its lightness makes this a wonderful refresher after a long day or for getting in the dinner mood.
Pucela Viura Sauvignon Blanc (2008), purchased for $12 at Adega Wine Cellars and Café (8519 Fenton St).
Michael Kent Cornett reviews literature for his blog, Dust and Corruption. He works in downtown Silver Spring and lives in Takoma Park.
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A friend asked if “Pucela” had any relation to the French “Pucelle,” meaning young girl or maiden. As far as I can tell, it’s not, but it would be appropriate for a clear, fresh, almost demure wine, but with a hint of sass.
Any Spanish-speakers have insight?
Hey! Glad to hear something of ours worked out for you.
If you’re in the mood for crisper blends with Viura, stop by at some point and try the Fuente Milano Verdejo-Viura. We have it by the glass, so tastings are available and free..
If we can ever be of any help in picking out what wine to try next, hit us up in shop, or talk at me on Twitter… we’re glad to help out. We appreciate your support!
- Jarrod,
Adega Wine Cellars