Verdejo

Rueda's signature grape — herbal, citric, slightly bitter.

Verdejo is the principal grape of Spain's Rueda DO on the high central plateau. Vines were nearly abandoned in the mid-20th century when Rueda's fortified Pálidos went out of fashion; Marqués de Riscal led a 1970s revival toward dry whites. The grape produces wines with a distinctive herbal, fennel-like edge, citrus notes, and a slight bitter finish reminiscent of Sauvignon Blanc. Most are unoaked and meant for early drinking, though serious lees-aged versions have appeared.