The consistency and immediate appeal of the newly released 2025 Verdejos is testament to the work growers put into their vineyards. The 2024/25 growing season was tough and unpredictable, with mildew significantly reducing yields (especially around La Seca) and scattered hail storms impacting some vineyards as well. Selection was therefore paramount but, although lower in quantity, the vintage delivered grapes with good potential.
That was certainly verified by my tasting. The best 2025 Verdejos show its trademark bitter grip leveraged against creamy citrus and fleshy orchard fruit, marrying lees work with crisp definition.
But the ‘young Verdejo’ lineup was not just about the latest vintage. I found it interesting – and in some cases eye-opening – to compare the later-released 2024, 2023 and 2022 iterations, which topped the score chart for this section. This is certainly not by chance; some time in bottle allows Verdejo to integrate its lively acid and bright aromatics while developing textural balance.
Does this mean most Verdejos are drunk too young? Probably. But this is an issue affecting grapes and regions the world over – the insatiability of markets (and the cashflow needs of producers) not matching the slower pace of wine, and certainly not helping to understand the full potential of a grape like Verdejo.
There is, nevertheless, obvious drinking pleasure in the youngest Verdejos, with all their energy and dynamism. The way acidity is integrated is particularly notable. Due to its sourness, Verdejo can often have hard-to-tame edges, yet skilful producers are able to sculpt these edges without losing definition, with mindful lees work.
Persistence is also remarkable; these are so-called ‘entry-level’ wines that, in the best examples, linger playfully on the palate, balancing juicy fluidity with textural grip. Above all, these young Verdejos show a great understanding of the grape itself, and of its demands in both vineyard and cellar. As they say: if you want to understand the quality and identity of a producer, taste its cheapest, not its flagship, wine.
Top scoring Verdejos to try:
Casa Rojo, El Gordo del Circo 2024
94pts
A well crafted Verdejo, successfully balancing nuance and generosity. It brings Verdejo’s zestiness upfront, supported by savoury, smoky notes. Blanched almonds, dry hay, camomile and linden mingle on the palate, framing the rich orchard fruit, almond croissant and frangipane. Moreish. Alcohol 13%
Herrero Bodega, Robert Vedel Cepas Viejas 2022
Seeking UK distributor.
94pts
An accomplished wine showing the plasticity of old-vine Verdejo with dynamism and complexity. Dense, fleshy red apple, nectarine and loquat core, framed by nutty allure. Fruit depth is offset by zesty freshness and herbal broodiness. Walnut and rhubarb jam finish. Delicious. Alc 13%
Tres Pilares, Verdejo Selección 2024
Seeking UK distributor.
94pts
Characterful and well-honed, with a Burgundian creaminess outlining the ripe yellow orchard fruit and pink citrus. Flows beautifully on the palate, gliding with ease but also expressive weight. Cooked quince, nectarine, loquat, frangipane are layered harmoniously and sprinkled abundantly with fennel and coriander seeds. Alc 13.5%
Bodegas Beronia, Verdejo 2025
93pts
Alluring flinty nuance on the nose. Fine and elegant texture with a mineral, wet stone outline to the crispy pear and quince fruit. Creamy veil coating the mid palate. Well defined, filigree flavors. Lingering notes of clementine and cranberry juice. Alc 13%
Castelo de Medina, Verdejo 2025
93pts
Blood orange zest, tangerine peel, red apple and melon give this wine upfront energy and drive. Wet clay, hay and white mushrooms rest generously on the palate, supported by a gentle, refreshing minerality. Elegant and seductive, with a long finish of roasted fennel seed. Alc 13.5%
Bodega Javier Sanz, Malcorta 2024
Seeking UK distributor.
93pts
Freshness and definition offset the generosity of the ripe melon, apricot and loquat fruit at the core. Appetising concentration and weight on the mid palate, lifted by fragrant coriander, chives and freshly cut fennel tops. Lovely finish with mineral verve and a lingering twist of pink grapefruit. Alc 13%
Bodegas Pandora, Verdejo Sobre Lías 2025
Seeking UK distributor.
93pts
A pleasing nutty bite gives the fleshy citrus and white orchard fruit verve, definition and persistence. It rests on the palate with moreish yet energetic weight, layering pear, quince, blanched almonds, wet hay and thyme. Focused and lively throughout. Organic certified. Alc 13%
Rodríguez y Sanzo, Sanzo Verdejo 2024
93pts
Moreish toasted almonds, walnuts and glazed pineapple with crunchy Asian pear, quince and red apple. Lovely mid-palate weight, framed by hay, dry wildflowers and wild fennel. Clementine juice and white asparagus on the finish. Approachable and complex. Organic certified. Alc 13%
Altos de Ontañon, Rippa Dorii Verdejo 2025
ND John Wines, Hattersley Wines
92pts
Alluring, defined briny nose with green olive tapenade over Asian pear and green apple. The palate follows with similar precision. A distinct, characterful wine, with mouthwatering saline finesse. Gentle, lingering notes of blanched almonds and verbena. Organic certified. Alc 13.5%
Jorge Ordoñez, Nisia 2025
92pts
Poised and well crafted with good definition to the lime zest, lemon, Asian pear, pineapple and green apple flavours. A fine, assertive acid line underscores the fruit while a gentle nuttiness brings in a meaty bite. 60% was fermented in French oak and this wine leverages its gentle smokiness to outline the fleshy fruit. Alc 14%
Bodegas Naia, Naia Verdejo 2025
92pts
Fine, perfumed outline of hay, verbena and thyme to the pear, Golden Delicious apple and pineapple fruit. Blanched almonds and fleshy walnuts fill the mid palate. Persistent finish with lingering fresh mint, curry leaf, thyme and tarragon over a flowing stream of clementine and pink grapefruit juice. Alc 13.5%
Uvas Felices, La Locomotora 2025
Seeking UK distributor.
92pts
Expressive, upfront fruit, then a herbal twist of verbena, mint and tarragon. Fleshy nectarine, red apple and pink peach, with a juicy burst of white grapefruit. Elegant and well crafted, lovely fluidity supported by assertive acid verve. Long pineapple, green papaya and pink grapefruit finish. Yum. Organic certified. Alc 13.5%
Bodega Valdehermoso, 5000’ 2025
Seeking UK distributor.
92pts
Bright and elegant, with zesty edges softened by creamy lemon curd and ripe yellow apple. Juicy core of melon, clementine juice, pineapple and green papaya. Top notes of apple blossom, wild f lowers and fresh grass hover playfully. Alc 13.5%
Bodegas Viore, Verdejo Organic 2025
Seeking UK distributor.
92pts
Seductive nose of rose petals, jasmine and linden, over pear and crunchy pineapple. Glides through the palate: juicy clementine, cranberry and pink grapefruit juice around a crunchy nectarine and peach core sprinkled with dill and flat leaf parsley. Balance and lively tension between the crunchy fruit and gentle florality. Organic certified. Alc 13.5%
Álvarez y Díez, Silga 2025
Seeking UK distributor.
91pts
Restrained yet expressive, harmoniously weaving clementine, pink grapefruit, crunchy yellow apple, Asian pear and melon. Fleshy quality to the fruit core, drenched in white grapefruit and clementine juice and sprinkled with thyme, coriander and lime zest. Lively, zesty pull on the back palate. Alc 12.5%
Bodega Emina, Verdejo Sobre Lías 2025
91pts
Overt, sweet nose of pineapple, nectarine and loquat. This is followed on the palate by greater freshness and drive, led by green apple and pear peel crunch. Sits pleasantly on the mid palate, at once with weight and herbal vividness, layering yellow apple, pineapple, white peach, camomile and wet hay. Alc 13.5%
Casa Rojo | El Gordo del Circo | 2024 | 94 | A well-crafted Verdejo, successfully balancing nuance and generosity. It brings Verdejo's zestiness upfront, supported by savoury, smoky moreishness. Blanched almonds, dry hay, camomile and linden mingle on the palate, framing the rich orchard fruit, notes of almond croissant and frangipane. Organic certified. |
Herrero Bodega | Robert Vedel Cepas Viejas | 2022 | 94 | An accomplished wine that shows the plasticity of old-vine Verdejo with dynamism and complexity. Dense, fleshy core of red apple, nectarine and loquat, framed by an alluring nuttiness. The fruit depth is offset by zesty freshness and herbal broodiness. So appetising, with a tail of fresh walnut and rhubarb jam. Delicious. |
Rodríguez y Sanzo | Sanzo Verdejo | 2024 | 94 | Moreish toasted almonds, roasted walnuts and glazed pineapple mingle with crunchy Asian pear, quince and red apple. Lovely weight on the mid-palate, framed by hay, dry wildflowers and wild fennel. Finishes with a streak of clementine juice and white asparagus. A beautiful wine, at once approachable and complex. Organic certified. |
Tres Pilares | Verdejo Selección | 2024 | 94 | Characterful and well-honed, with a Burgundian creaminess outlining the ripe yellow orchard fruit and pink citrus. Flows beautifully through the palate, gliding with ease but also expressive weight. Cooked quince, nectarine, loquat and frangipane are layered harmoniously and sprinkled abundantly with fennel and coriander seeds. |
Bodegas Beronia | Verdejo | 2025 | 93 | Alluring flinty nuance on the nose. Fine and elegant texture with a mineral, wet stone outline to the crispy pear and quince fruit. Creamy veil coating the mid-palate. Well defined, filigree flavors. Lingering notes of clementine and cranberry juice. |
Bodegas Pandora | Verdejo sobre Lías | 2025 | 93 | A pleasing nutty bite gives the fleshy citrus and white orchard fruit verve, definition and persistence. It rests on the palate with moreish yet energetic weight, layering pear, quince, blanched almonds, wet hay and thyme. Focused and lively throughout. Organic certified. |
Castelo de Medina | Verdejo | 2025 | 93 | Blood orange zest, tangerine peel, red apple and melon give this wine upfront energy and drive. Wet clay, hay and white mushrooms rest generously on the palate, supported by a gentle, refreshing minerality. Elegant and seductive, with a long tail of roasted fennel seed. |
Javier Sanz | Malcorta | 2024 | 93 | Freshness and definition offset the generosity of the ripe melon, apricot and loquat fruit at the core. Appetising concentration and weight on the mid-palate, lifted by fragrant coriander, chives and freshly cut fennel tops. Lovely finish with mineral verve and lingering twist of pink grapefruit. |
Altos de Ontañon | Rippa Dorii Verdejo | 2025 | 92 | Alluring, defined briny nose with green olive tapenade over Asian pear and green apple. The palate follows with similar precision. A distinct, characterful wine, with mouthwatering saline finesse. Gentle, lingering notes of blanched almonds and vervain. Organic certified. |
Bodega Eresma | Eresma+ Verdejo Sobre Lías | 2024 | 92 | An energetic, lively, textural Verdejo. Fleshy yellow apple, cooked quince, crispy pear and glazed pineapple through a veil of lemon zest. Zesty grip and verve throughout, offset by creamy unctuosity on the mid-palate. Good length with fleshy grip on the finish. |
Bodega Gótica | Trascampanas Verdejo | 2025 | 92 | Subtle nose of fresh fennel and Meyer lemon. Intense, generous fleshy pear, guava, yellow apple, clementine juice, nectarine, carried with fluidity and ease. A touch of rhubarb juice adds sour intrigue. Nice definition and deft layering of flavours. Good persistence with an exotic twist. |
Bodega Valdehermoso | 5000' | 2025 | 92 | Bright and elegant, with zesty edges softened by creamy lemon curd and ripe yellow apple. Juicy core of melon, clementine juice, pineapple and green papaya. Top notes of apple blossom, wild flowers and fresh grass hover playfully. |
Bodegas Mocén | Mimozén Verdejo | 2025 | 92 | Seductive, toasty smokiness around the rich citrus, green apple, white peach and guava. Balanced and elegant, with a well-crafted citric pull on the back palate. Long tail of white pepper, wild fennel and curry leaf. Lovely wine – alluring yet unpretentious. |
Bodegas Naia | Naia Verdejo | 2025 | 92 | Fine, perfumed outline of hay, vervain and thyme to the pear, Golden Delicious apple and pineapple fruit. Blanched almonds and fleshy walnuts fill the mid-palate. Persistent finish with lingering fresh mint, curry leaf, thyme and tarragon over a flowing stream of clementine and pink grapefruit juice. |
Bodegas Vioré | Verdejo Organic | 2025 | 92 | Seductive nose of rose petals, jasmine and linden, over pear and crunchy pineapple. Glides through the palate with juicy clementine, cranberry and pink grapefruit juice around a core of crunchy nectarine and peach sprinkled with dill and flat leaf parsley. Balance and lively tension between the crunchy fruit and the gentle florality. Organic certified. |
Bodegas Vioré | Verdejo Sobre Lías | 2024 | 92 | Elegant, poised, gently moreish. Honey-glazed almonds, ripe pear, cooked quince and glazed pineapple with herbal nuances of dry hay, and camomile. Drenched in lemon curd and sprinkled with dill and coriander seeds. Tingling spicy finish of white pepper. |
Oro de Castilla | Verdejo | 2025 | 92 | Broody nose of wild flowers, preserved lemon and almond. A poised and characterful wine, with an earthy generosity over a fleshy layer of pineapple, melon and white peach. A touch of bitter almond adds welcome edge and texture. Delicious. |
Jorge Ordoñez | Nisia | 2025 | 92 | Poised and well crafted with good definition to the lime zest, lemon, Asian pear, pineapple and green apple flavours. A fine, assertive acid line underscores the fruit, while a gentle nuttiness brings in a meaty bite. 60% was fermented in French oak and this wine leverages its gentle smokiness to outline the fleshy fruit. |
Vinos del Paseante | La Charla | 2025 | 92 | Immediately appealing with intense white orchard fruit backed by citrus juiciness and an assertive, yet very well integrated, minerality. Well woven layers of yellow apple, quince, crunchy pineapple, melon and pink grapefruit. |
Monteabellón | Verdejo | 2025 | 92 | Juicy fluidity. Saline rim to the lemon and melon fruit at the core. Juicy burst of melon, yellow apple, red apple peel. Crunchy yet elegant with a softness to the mid-palate, offset by zesty verve throughout. Long tail of lime zest, dill and crunchy fennel, with a twist of orange peel. Yum. |
Pindal | Verdejo Sobre Lías | 2025 | 92 | Seductive and detailed with a subtle frame of camomile, linden and hay. Very juicy on the palate – albeit with crunchiness at the core – blending clementine juice, red apple, pink grapefruit, green papaya and mango. Finishes with a riper touch of conference pear and cooked quince. |
Uvas Felices | La Locomotora | 2025 | 92 | Expressive, upfront fruit with a herbal twist of vervain, mint and tarragon. Fleshy white grapefruit, nectarine, red apple and pink peach followed by the juicy burst of white grapefruit. Elegant and well crafted with lovely fluidity throughout supported by an assertive acid verve. Long tail of pineapple, green papaya and pink grapefruit. Yum. Organic certified. |
Viñas Murillo | Chapirete Selección | 2025 | 92 | Playful notes of rose petals and jasmine hover over white peach, quince, melon, guava and Asian pear. Lime zest and roasted wild fennel seeds sprinkled abundantly over the fleshy fruit. Intensity and verve throughout, with good definition and citrus notes framing the core. |
Vinos Sanz | Finca La Colina Verdejo Cien X Cien | 2025 | 92 | A more restrained style of Verdejo that showcases its mineral, saline potential. Elegant, with a soft, detailed texture. Crunchy melon, white grapefruit and apple peel drenched in wet stone and salty lemon. Good persistence with lingering clementine juice and melon. Elegant and unpretentious. |
Altos de Ontañon | Rippa Dorii Verdejo | 2025 | 91 | Fluid, crisp and expressive with an appetising saline rim and smoky outline. Fleshy bite on the attack with pear, guava and green apple upfront, followed by juicy mandarin, melon and pineapple. Touches of fennel and tarragon. |
Álvarez y Díez | Silga | 2025 | 91 | Restrained yet expressive, harmoniously weaving clementine, pink grapefruit, crunchy yellow apple, Asian pear and melon. Fleshy quality to the fruit core, drenched in white grapefruit and clementine juice and sprinkled with thyme, coriander and lime zest. Lively, zesty pull on the back palate. |
Álvarez y Díez | Bento | 2025 | 91 | Delicious, moreish layers of blanched almonds, cooked quince and marzipan fill the palate with generosity but also playfulness. Glazed pineapple, nectarine and pink grapefruit are revealed at the core, topped with vervain and twists of Meyer lemon. Lovely fleshy, pithy persistence. Yum. Organic certified. |
Arroyo Izquierdo | Araquin | 2024 | 91 | Notable focus here, with unpretentious complexity. The palate is textural and expressive – particularly on the mid-palate – layering blanched almonds, guava, crispy Asian pear and white grapefruit. Moreish, wet clay warmth. Tail of clementine and rhubarb juice. |
Bellorí Vinos | Hoyo del Francés | 2024 | 91 | Elegant Verdejo, leveraging freshness with texture. A well-honed structure frames the white grapefruit and yellow apple fruit with herbal and toasty nuances of camomile, vervain and almonds. Good persistence. |
Bodega Emina Matarromera | Melior Verdejo | 2025 | 91 | Well crafted with slightly toasted almonds, glazed pineapple, yellow apple peel and crunchy quince, flowing over juicy lemon, pear and lime. Lovely texture on the mid-palate marrying orchard fruit fleshiness, citrus zestiness and herbal nuance. |
Bodega Emina | Verdejo sobre Lías | 2025 | 91 | Overt, sweet nose of pineapple, nectarine and loquat. Followed on the palate by greater freshness and drive, led by green apple and pear peel crunch. Sits pleasantly on the mid palate, at once with weight and herbal vividness, layering yellow apple, pineapple, white peach, camomile and wet hay. |
Bodegas Franco-Españolas | Diamante Verdejo | 2025 | 91 | Plenty of character and verve here; an unpretentious and pleasantly rustic take on Verdejo. Distinct bitterness of fleshy guava and white grapefruit pith. A wine with energy, definition and character that finishes with distinct lemon peel bitterness over fleshy, juicy pear and green apple. |
Bodegas Mocén | Valdeaces Verdejo | 2025 | 91 | Intriguing, seductive nose mingling wet hay, crushed mint and wild flowers. Lemon curd and Meyer lemon flow through the palate at once with assertiveness, verve and generosity. Elegant and refreshing. Finishes with a lively zesty pull. |
Bodegas Val de Vid | Verdejo | 2024 | 91 | Lovely wine, at once approachable and nuanced. Lemon curd, yellow apple juice, melon and green papaya ningle effortlessly. Focus, energy and assertiveness on the palate. Strong yet rounded mineral backbone. |
Imparable | Verdejo Ecológico | 2024 | 91 | Citrus verve leads this crunchy and assertive Verdejo, supported by a lively acid backbone of lime zest and green apple. Pink peach, yellow apple peel and glazed pineapple sprinkled with wet hay and blanched almonds. Poise and focus with a nutty savoury turn to the finish. Organic certified. |
Pindal | Verdejo | 2025 | 91 | Elegant with wet rose petals and orange blossom hovering over the pineapple, cooked quince and white peach fruit. Lovely textural detail and generous fleshiness on the mid-palate, with a flinty edge. Saline, wet clay minerality adds seductive freshness throughout. Lingering tangerine and peach. |
Pistacyl | Desacata Verdejo Sobre Lías | 2025 | 91 | The nose marries floral, herbal and citrus notes: hay, camomile, lemon zest and pear peel. Pineapple, melon, pear and rhubarb juice at the core. Clementine zest and red apple peel add crispness and vividness. Finishes with an edgy twist of white grapefruit pith. |
Protos | Verdejo | 2025 | 91 | A wine that, while not immediately alluring, reveals itself in the glass with the vibrancy and warm salinity of preserved lemon, melon, crunchy pear and white grapefruit. It has a moreish, really pleasant, bitter finish of white grapefruit pith and amaretto. Top notes of dried wild flowers, hay and toasted fennel seeds. A wine to enjoy with food. |
RivaSanz | Verdejo Sobre Lías | 2025 | 91 | A Verdejo with a bit of funky twist, interesting and nuanced if a bit divisive. Bruised russet apple, pink peach, pink grapefruit, walnut and cashews mingle playfully and intensely. Top notes of camomile, hay and linden. A good companion for cheeses or foie gras; it has inherent moreish appeal. |
Bodegas Shaya | Verdejo | 2024 | 91 | Elegant and alluring with an unpretentious complexity. Clementine zest and rhubarb juice upfront, backed by fleshy melon, Golden delicious apple and white peach over a bed of blanched almonds, roasted fennel, glazed pineapple. Topped with sparse touches of dill and coriander seeds. |
Álvarez y Díez | Mantel Blanco Verdejo | 2025 | 90 | Characterful with a strong herbal framework of freshly cut grass, oregano, fennel and tarragon. Nutty dry hay, bitter almond flakes and apple peel sprinkled over quince, guava and almond croissant. Long tail of clementine zest, pink grapefruit juice and white asparagus. |
Arroyo Izquierdo | Demimo | 2025 | 90 | Pretty and soft, with real balance and great alcohol integration. Beautiful fluidity on the mid-palate, with white orchard fruit intensity and refreshing, juicy citrus (mandarin, pink grapefruit). Rim of thyme, fennel and asparagus. |
Bardos | Verdejo | 2025 | 90 | Preserved lemon, crunchy yellow apple, freshly cut fennel and dill mingle on the nose. Precision and focus on the palate, with white grapefruit and white peach juice flowing abundantly, topped with lime zest and crunchy pineapple. Finishes with an edgy, mouthwatering detail of grapefruit pith. |
Bodega Gótica | Badajo | 2025 | 90 | Balanced, gently nutty, with a warm quality to the pineapple, white grapefruit and guava fruit. Fleshy intensity to the fruit core; the pear, melon and guava have great bite to it. Fragrant lining of hay, camomile and linden. A balanced, elegant wine with great gastronomic potential. |
Las Amapolas | Verdejo | 2025 | 90 | The touch of Sauvignon Blanc here adds lime zest, gooseberry and passionfruit vividness to the white peach, pineapple and pear fruit. Great fluidity and energy throughout. Herbal, fragrant details of fresh fennel, tarragon and white asparagus. |
Pago del Cielo | Celeste Verdejo | 2025 | 90 | Bright, energetic intensity driven by yellow orchard fruit, with great bite and a zesty pull at the back. Guava, green apple and crunchy pear mingle on the mid-palate. The gentle creaminess of lemon curd is underpinned and lifted by lemon and lime zest. |
Bodega Valdehermoso | Lagar del Rey Verdejo-Lías | 2025 | 90 | Meaty pear, toasted almonds and quince are followed by a juicy burst of fleshy grapefruit and apple (red and green). Clementine zest adds energy and sweet verve throughout. Finishes with biting white grapefruit pithiness. |
Bodegas Félix Lorenzo Cachazo | Carrasviñas Verdejo | 2025 | 90 | Seductive aromas of dry hay, thyme, oregano over fresh citrus. Fleshy core of yellow apple, white peach, quince and green papaya outlined by an intense herbal lining of freshly cut fennel and coriander seeds. Clementine zest, red apple peel, and pomelo add crunch and vividness. |
Bodegas Félix Sanz | Viña Cimbrón Verdejo | 2024 | 90 | Approachable complexity, led by filigree aromas of dry rose petals, camomile, linden and hay. Well crafted, with moreish lemon curd creaminess balanced by a zesty verve, crunchy pineapple and crispy pear. Good concentration and weight on the mid-palate. Herbal frame of fennel top and flat leaf parsley. |
Bodegas Pandora | Pandra Verdejo | 2025 | 90 | Textural, appetising and energetic. Flowing quality to the yellow apple, conference pear, green papaya and melon fruit at the core, surrounded by crunchy russet apple and pineapple and pink grapefruit zest. Finishes with a salty and pithy twist of preserved lemon. |
Bodegas Val de Vid | Musgo Verdejo | 2025 | 90 | Quite a tropical Verdejo, full of mango, passionfruit and green papaya resting on a bed of conference pear and guava. All topped with freshly cut fennel, lemon balm and verveine. Lovely fluidity at the mid palate, with juicy lime and pink grapefruit juice giving it a zesty lift. Appetising and persistent. |
Bodegas y Viñedos Angel Lorenzo Cachazo | Martivillí Verdejo | 2025 | 90 | Subtle, appealing butteriness on the nose, easily luring you in. Expressive parsley, dill and tarragon follow. Juicy, fleshy bite to the pear and quince core, outlined by white grapefruit and clementine peel. At once moreish and light on its feet with lime zest bringing welcome energy to the finish. |
Frutos Villar | Conde Siruela | 2025 | 90 | Layers of lemon, pineapple and white grapefruit fill the palate with zesty, chiseled abundance. Mint, lemon balm and camomile coat the orchard fruit flesh. Fluid undercurrent of clementine, melon and pineapple juice carrying the palate with ease. Focused and elegant. |
Frutos Villar | Maria de Molina Verdejo | 2025 | 90 | Well crafted, with preserved lemon and lime giving great definition to the pear, apple, melon and quince fruit. Textural on the mid palate with fleshy bite and herbal nuance. Top notes of camomile, apple blossom and wildflowers. |
Garciarévalo | Finca Tresolmos Verdejo Lías | 2025 | 90 | Top notes of guava and passion fruit over melon, Asian pear and preserved lemon. Gentle touches of camomile and dried roses add floral nuance while lime zest contributes tingling zestiness. Abundant clementine juice on the back palate. Organic certified. |
Javier Ruiz Paniagua | Verdejo Sobre Lías | 2025 | 90 | Gently nutty with an elegant wet clay quality at the core. The pithy bite on the mid-palate and strong acid backbone give it great verve. Crunchy red apple, white peach, Asian pear and pink grapefruit offer succulent yet vibrant richness. Top notes of tarragon and grass. |
Legaris | Verdejo | 2025 | 90 | Overt, expressive nose of Williams pear, Golden apple, vervain and lemon balm. Follows in the mouth with orchard fruit generosity. Fleshy core of melon, nectarine, apricot and loquat sprinkled abundantly with lime and pink grapefruit zest. Top notes of apple and orange blossom. Very enjoyable, solar, well-honed; happy and simply delicious. |
Marqués de Cáceres | Verdejo | 2025 | 90 | Preserved lemon, white grapefruit and melon mingle on the nose. Zesty verve underpinning the fleshy, rich core of melon, conference pear and lemon curd. Vibrant herbal and spicy rim of freshly cut grass, coriander and white pepper. Vivid, energetic pull on the back palate. |
Marqués de Riscal | Marques de Riscal Verdejo | 2025 | 90 | I like the way that the guava and quince fruit sit on the mid-palate, genty lifted by white grapefruit and green apple. Abundant lemon and yellow apple juiciness follow. Really lovely juiciness at the core (clementine,nectarine). Gently saline and herbal on the finish with touches of hay, dry wild flowers, pear peel and freshly cut dill. Organic certified. |
Bodega Traslagares | Verdejo | 2025 | 90 | A fine, elegant Verdejo with a vibrant, zesty framework of lime and lemon peel defining the pear, white grapefruit and crunchy pineapple fruit. Bright crispiness lifting the core. Refreshing, flowing juiciness of clementine and rhubarb. |
Pagos del Rey | Analivia Verdejo Selección | 2025 | 90 | Crunchy pear, melon and pear on the nose, followed on the palate by crunchy white peach, conference pear, yellow apple and pineapple. Juicy, fluid core lifted by mint and thyme freshness. Fresh, juicy and simply delicious. |
Tres Pilares | Verdejo Sobre Lías | 2025 | 90 | Mineral, lemony energy pins down and guides the wine through the palate with assertive ease, carrying the ripe layer of melon, mango and white peach. Gentle green olive brine salinity on the edges. Poised and gently weight, lifted by white grapefruit zest. |
Uvas Felices | El Perro Verde | 2025 | 90 | Fills the mouth with the fine, juicy fluidity of clementine juice, cranberry pressé and rhubarb pressé flowing over melon, crunchy pineapple, pear and guava. Preserved Meyer lemon adds welcome salinity. Subtlest rim of dill and crushed mint. Organic certified. |
Vicaral | Verdejo | 2025 | 90 | Guava and white grapefruit open the palate, followed by melon, yellow apple and Asian pear. Expressive rim of asparagus, freshly cut grass, fennel top and lime leaves. Unctuous, subtle creaminess to the mid-palate. Zesty, acid verve provides structural support. |
Vinos Sanz | Verdejo Ecologico | 2025 | 90 | Expressive nose of ripe peach, melon, pineapple with fresh mint and fennel playing in the background. Sweet, fleshy quality to the fruit core, with a spicy rim of white pepper. Rests gently and unctuous creaminess on the mid-palate, filled with lemon curd and poached pear. |
Bodega Eresma | Verdejo Vendimia Seleccionada | 2025 | 89 | Abundant, succulent and juicy Asian pear, glazed pineapple and quince, Green papaya and guava add an exotic bite. The fleshy intensity offset by bright dill, tarragon and lemon balm. Organic certified. |
Bodegas Carramimbre | Verdejo | 2025 | 89 | Intensity and verve in a Verdejo that balances sweetness and sourness. Guava, quince, crunchy pineapple and white peach are drenched in white grapefruit and rhubarb juice, with clementine peel and lime zest sprinkled abundantly. Energetic, crisp and unpretentious. |
Bodegas El Início | Pluma Blanca Verdejo | 2025 | 89 | Soft elegance with a powdery, warm rim to the pear, yellow apple and quince fruit. Dry hay, camomile and linden add eathy, herbal nuance. Exotic touches of clementine, papaya and mango on the finish. |
Bodegas Mocén | Selección Especial | 2025 | 89 | A straightforward wine with upfront citrus freshness. Pithy white grapefruit and lemon mingle with wild fennel, a touch of asparagus and artichoke. Freshly cut grass and a spicy tail of tarragon linger on the finish which has an energetic pull to it. Fresh, vibrant, energetic. |
Bodega Solar de Muñosancho | Prius de Moraña Verdejo | 2025 | 89 | Fluid tangerine, pear, yellow apple and quince lead the fruity mix. Pink grapefruit and lime bring energetic pull and grip to the mid-palate. Savoury outline of freshly cut fennel and white asparagus. Finishes with sweet-sour rhubarb juice. |
Bodegas Vioré | Verdejo | 2025 | 89 | Tingling lime zest and crispy pear peel sprinkled abundantly over pineapple, pear, green apple and green papaya. Vivid zesty verve throughout. Subtle touch of wild fennel, asparagus, coriander seeds and a cheeky twist of pink grapefruit and passionfruit. |
Cria Cuervos | Verdejo | 2025 | 89 | Unpretentious, perfect for everyday drinking. Shy, citrus-driven nose. The palate offers more overt generosity with fluid Meyer lemon, melon, white peach, yellow apple and crunchy pear, as well as an exotic touch of guava. A fine rim of tarragon, thyme and lemon balm adds some intrigue. |
De Alberto | Verdejo Sobre Lías | 2024 | 89 | A perfect everyday pour, at once supple and energetic. Green apple, pear peel, lime zest are outlined by zesty acid verve and drench the juicier melon, pineapple and quince fruit. Enjoy with salads and fresh seafood. |
Elías Mora | Contracorriente Verdejo | 2025 | 89 | Robust yet lively with a frame of wild flowers, lime zest, freshly cut grass, wet hay and white asparagus framing the Asian pear, quince and frangipane at the core. Preserved lemon, lime zest and green apple peel add energy, detail and verve. |
Finca Montepedroso | Verdejo | 2024 | 89 | A refreshing everyday drinker with red apple crunch, rhubarb juiciness and a saline turn of white asparagus and green olive brine. Fresh, crispy lime, green apple, guava and quince build the fleshy core. |
Herrero Bodega | Erre de Herrero Verdejo | 2025 | 89 | Overtly aromatic and weighty but there's lime zest and green apple offering fresh, crisp balance throughout. Clementine juice, red apple, pear peel, nectarine, pink peach and guava layer moreishly on the palate. Subtle tail of freshly-cut fennel. |
Javier Sanz | Verdejo | 2025 | 89 | Lovely everyday drinker, immediately appealing, with smart layers of lemon zest, green apple peel, Guava, crispy pear, preserved lemon, quince, crunchy pineapple. Vibrant and energetic. |
Bodega Martinsancho | Verdejo | 2024 | 89 | Zesty verve and a strong, austere mineral backbone carry the grapefruit, crispy pear and green apple core. Finishes with intense green notes of fennel, tarragon and asparagus. |
Muelas de Tordesillas | Muedra Verdejo | 2024 | 89 | Fleshy and crunchy with crispy pear, quince, guava, pineapple, a touch of nectarine and loquat. Good persistence and pleasant weight on the mid-palate. Finishes with a herbal twist of crunchy freshly-cut fennel top. |
Ramón Bilbao | Verdejo | 2025 | 89 | Vibrant, crisp and refreshing upfront with great verve and a strong acid backbone. Pear, quince and guava are lifted by lime zest while waxy lemon gives the wine a seductive grip. A lively everyday drinker with a pithy twist to the finish. |
Telmo Rodríguez | Basa Blanco | 2025 | 89 | Upfront and unpretentious with juicy white peach, guava and Fuji apple, lifted by the tingling energy of blood orange zest and fleshy Meyer lemon. Nice intensity and drive. |
Viñas Murillo | Valdihuete Verdejo | 2025 | 89 | Interesting vegetal veil of wild fennel, hay and thyme over Meyer lemon, white grapefruit, conference pear and green apple – all sprinkled abundantly with lime zest and green apple peel. Zesty, grippy finish, with intensity and verve. |
Tasting was carried at the Rueda Consejo Regulador headquarters in Rueda in March 2026 by Ines Salpico (Decanter Regional Editor for Spain, Portugal and South America). While the costs were kindly underwritten by the DO Rueda (dorueda.com), all of the content produced for this guide remains independent.
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Discover more from the Rueda report 2026:
Rueda report 2026: An introduction to the region's landscape and vines
Rueda report 2026: Sauvignon Blanc
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