Rueda

Verdejo is the organising grape for Rueda, adapted to the region’s elevation, gravelly ground and substantial differences between day and night temperatures. Its flavour can combine fruit and herbs with a characteristic bitter edge. Sauvignon Blanc and other permitted white grapes also form part of the appellation’s range.

A fresh, unoaked Verdejo is a useful introduction, but the grape also supports more textured wines shaped by lees or barrel work. The regional name alone does not tell you which version is in the bottle. Read the grape and producer’s description together if you want to distinguish a crisp everyday white from a fuller style.