Cune Rioja Monopole Siglo XXI 2024

Unlike Sauvignon Blanc, which delivers more aggressive herbaceous and green pepper character alongside its citrus notes, Monopole Siglo XXI Verdejo is rounder and more textured on the palate. The tropical fruit character is more generous and the finish carries a distinctive gentle bitterness that Sauvignon Blanc does not produce. For buyers in Kenya comparing Spanish white wines, this is consequently the most aromatic and texturally interesting option from a producer whose history in Spanish wine stretches back 145 years — longer than most Rioja bodegas still operating today.

Tasting Notes

Pale lemon-green in the glass with a faint silver rim. The nose is immediately expressive and aromatic. Citrus tropical fruits lead — mango, ripe grapefruit and a thread of fresh pineapple. Behind those, more delicate notes of white peach and pear emerge. Additionally, there is a distinctive Verdejo signature in the background: a whisper of boxwood and fennel, slightly herbal and savoury. This adds dimension to what could otherwise read as a straightforwardly fruity nose. The night harvest is perceptible here. The aromatics are precise and lifted rather than flat or heat-damaged.

On the palate, the entry is smooth and generous. The body is light to medium, with a silky, unctuous texture that is characteristic of well-made Verdejo. The acidity is present but restrained rather than aggressive — it provides freshness and structure without sharpness. Mango, grapefruit and green apple carry through the mid-palate, and the finish brings the characteristic Verdejo bitterness: clean, refreshing and brief, leaving a fruity and floral aftertaste that lingers for 15 to 20 seconds. Overall, this is a wine built around aromatic generosity and texture. It delivers more mid-palate presence than most unoaked whites at this level.

What you Need to Know:

What is Verdejo and what does it actually taste like?
Verdejo is a Spanish white grape variety grown primarily in the DO Rueda region of Castilla y León. In the glass, it delivers tropical citrus fruit like mango, grapefruit, white peach with a smooth, slightly unctuous texture and a characteristic gentle bitterness on the finish that is specific to the variety.

How is this different from a Sauvignon Blanc — should I try it if I usually drink Sauvignon Blanc?
Verdejo is rounder and softer on the palate than Sauvignon Blanc. The tropical fruit character is more generous, and the herbaceous notes are subtler rather than aggressive. If you find Sauvignon Blanc occasionally too sharp or grassy, Verdejo is the natural alternative worth exploring.

Is this wine dry or does it have some sweetness?
Fully dry. The tropical fruit aromas can read as sweet on the nose, but the palate has no residual sugar. The finish is clean, refreshing and closes with a characteristic gentle bitterness rather than sweetness.

Q: What makes the 2024 vintage worth paying attention to?
A: The 2024 harvest was one of the smallest in years due to cold temperatures during flowering. As a result, yields were very low and fruit concentration was exceptional. Additionally, the night harvest specifically preserved the volatile tropical aromatics that define good Verdejo.

Q: What food works best with this wine?
A: Grilled white fish, fresh prawns and light seafood are the strongest matches. Additionally, soft fresh cheeses, light pâtés and vegetable starters work well alongside a chilled glass. Serve at 8 to 10°C for maximum aromatic freshness.

Q: What should I do if this bottle is out of stock?
A: Our customer service team can help you find a suitable alternative or source the product where possible. Reach out before your event.

Q: Is CUNE Monopole Siglo XXI available for delivery in Nairobi?
A: Nairobi orders placed before 9 PM qualify for same-day delivery, typically completed within a 1-hour window. Free delivery applies to orders above KES 3,000 within Nairobi. Orders outside Nairobi are delivered nationwide across Kenya within 24–48 hours.