One of the most pleasurable aspects of tasting for and writing this report was the ability to get a comprehensive overview both of the plasticity of Verdejo and of the way it expresses the subtleties of Rueda’s terroir. However, beyond geological and mesoclimatic nuances, another factor has come increasingly into play: the creativity and technical ability of producers, eager to explore the potential of Verdejo in the cellar.
This ‘special vinifications’ category includes wines that interpret the variety in diverse, sometimes unexpected ways, using different fermentation and ageing vessels – from barriques and foudres to concrete eggs – and altogether different vinification methods (such as the spectacular Palo Norte, which undergoes a combination of biological and oxidative ageing).
Some will question why several of these standout wines are not in the Gran Vino de Rueda section (here). In almost all cases, these hail from vineyards whose age doesn’t meet GVR requirements. This is therefore a space for greater experimentation and playfulness, where producers really push the boat out and test what Verdejo can do.
Top-scoring Verdejos to try:
Rodríguez y Sanzo, Palo Norte 2020
97pts
So accomplished: intense yet balanced, assertive yet nuanced. Complex, unexpected, and deliciously drinkable. Layers of dried mango, candied orange, walnut, roasted cashews, peach, nectarine and apricot fill the mouth with butter-like generosity, without feeling weighty. Long saffron, Rooibos and curry leaf finish. Alc 13.5%
Bodegas de Crianza de Pozaldez, Liberso Curioso Verdejo 2017
Seeking UK distributor.
96pts
Expressive nectarine, red apple, apricot and loquat nose, with a rim of fennel and sage. A single malt-like smokiness. Seductive palate with layered complexity: marzipan, dried mango, roasted pineapple, nectarine and fresh apricot. Top note of Oolong tea. Delicious, lively, dynamic. Alc 13.5%
Imparable Vinos y Viñedos, Finca el Poleo 2023
Seeking UK distributor.
95pts
Smart, finely-woven blend, with 20% Sauvignon Blanc adding a zesty spring to the Verdejo fruit. Salted Marcona almonds, pear, ripe yellow apple, peach and lemon, sprinkled with roasted fennel seeds, outlined by white grapefruit pithiness. Nuanced, with a juicy core and moreish briny finish. Organic. Alc 13%
Telmo Rodríguez, El Transistor 2024
94pts
Great fluidity throughout with the floral levity of dried rose petals and wild flowers lifting the red apple peel, crunchy pear, crunchy pineapple and roasted Marcona almond flavours. Deft use of wood giving a nutty frame to Verdejo’s pithiness. Fine rim of camomile and linden. Alc 13%
José Pariente, Finca La Medina 2024
93pts
Seductive nose with nutty and mineral notes against a backdrop of dry hay. Complex, dynamic palate, with frangipane , layered with glazed pineapple, russet apple, walnuts and cooked quince. Pleasant bite of salted Marcona almonds. Finishes with vibrant lemon peel pithiness. Alc 13%
Bodegas Pita, Finca La Cantera 2022
93pts
Elegant, appetising, pared-back subtlety. Bitter almond, guava, white grapefruit framed by blanched almonds, lending nutty meatiness to the weighty fruit core. Dry roses, camomile, linden. Long bitter almond, walnut and fennel seed finish. Alc 13%
Valdecuevas, Cuvée Verdejo 2024
Seeking UK distributor.
93pts
Notes of blanched almonds, verbena and wild flowers lead the elegant nose. The palate is at once fleshy and light on its feet with a fine outline of camomile, linden and hay. Almond croissant and apple strudel add rich moreishness throughout. Creamy lemon curd lingers on the palate. Alc 13.5%
Vicaral, Verdejo Fermentado en Barrica 2022
Seeking UK distributor.
93pts
Moreish nose of fresh walnuts, ripe red apple and frangipane. Elegant and nuanced on the palate with salted Marcona almonds, preserved lemon and tangerine juice topped with linden and verbena. Juicy ripe citrus drenches the fleshy core. Lovely twist of bitter almond on the finish. Alc 13%
Rodríguez y Sanzo | Palo Norte | 2020 | 97 | Such an accomplished wine, intense yet balanced, assertive yet nuanced. Complex, unexpected, moreish but also – and fundamentally – deliciously drinkable. Layers of dried mango, candied orange peel, walnut, roasted cashews, peach, nectarine and apricot fill the mouth, with butter-like generosity, without ever feeling weighty. Really long finish with lingering saffron, Rooibos and curry leaf. Delicious. |
Bodegas Crianza de Pozaldez | Liberso Curioso Verdejo | 2017 | 96 | Expressive nose of nectarine, red apple, apricot and loquat, with a rim of fennel and macerated sage. A Single Malt-like smokiness plays in the background. Very seductive on the palate with layered complexity and nuttiness: marzipan woven with dried mango, roasted pineapple, nectarine and fresh apricot. Top note of Oolong tea. Delicious, lively and dynamic. |
Bodegas Crianza de Pozaldez | Liberso Curioso Verdejo | 2016 | 95 | Alluring, fragrant nose. The palate follows, fine and precise, with filigree blanched almond, crispy pear, nectarine. A lovely zesty lift contributes youthfulness and liveliness. A great expression of Verdeejo, with the spicy fennel, coriander and anise seed giving further verve, nuance and detail. |
Rodríguez y Sanzo | Bajo Velo | 2023 | 95 | Characterful wine, immediately alluring (and recognisable) in the glass for its expressive orchard fruit, honeyed nuttiness and gentle herbaceousness. Pure, focused and with a briny salinity that glides through the palate carrying the ripe yellow apple and pineapple fruit with ease. Gentle touch of seaweed. A wine made for the pleasures of the table. |
Imparable Vinos y Viñedos | Finca el Poleo | 2023 | 95 | Smart, finely-woven blend, with 20% Sauvignon Blanc adding a zesty spring to the Verdejo fruit. Salted Marcona almonds, pear, ripe yellow apple, peach and lemon are sprinkled with roasted fennel seeds and outlined by white grapefruit pithiness. A nuanced wine with a juicy core and moreish briny quality on the finish. Organic certified. |
Bodegas Crianza de Pozaldez | Liberso Curioso Verdejo | 2023 | 94 | Dynamic and complex with toasty oak underpinning the fleshy orchard fruit and pithy white grapefruit. Nectarine, yellow apple, pineapple and loquat fill the mouth with assertive bite, framed by dry rose petals, camomile and linden. |
Telmo Rodríguez | El Transistor | 2024 | 94 | Great fluidity throughout with the floral levity of dried rose petals and wild flowers lifting the red apple peel, crunchy pear, crunchy pineapple and roasted Marcona almond flavours. Deft use of wood giving a nutty frame to Verdejo's pithiness. Fine rim of camomile and linden. |
José Pariente | Finca La Medina | 2024 | 93 | Seductive nose with nutty and mineral notes against a backdrop of dry hay. Complex, dynamic palate, with frangipane, layered with glazed pineapple, russet apple, walnuts and cooked quince. Pleasant bite of salted Marcona almonds. Finishes with vibrant lemon peel pithiness. |
Valdecuevas | Cuvèe Verdejo | 2024 | 93 | Notes of blanched almonds, vervain and wild flowers lead the elegant nose. The palate is at once fleshy and light on its feet with a fine outline of camomile, linden and hay. Almond croissant and apple strudel add rich moreishness throughout. Creamy lemon curd lingers on the palate. |
Vicaral | Verdejo Fermentado en Barrica | 2022 | 93 | Moreish nose of fresh walnuts, ripe red apple and frangipane. Elegant and nuanced on the palate with salted Marcona almonds, preserved lemon and tangerine juice topped with linden and vervain. Juicy ripe citrus drenching the fleshy core. Lovely twist of bitter almond on the finish. |
Bodegas Pita | Finca La Cantera | 2022 | 93 | Elegant and appetising with a paired back subtlety. Bitter almond, guava and white grapefruit framed by blanched almonds, which lend a nutty meatiness to the weighty fruit core. Dry roses, camomile and linden play in the background. Long tail of bitter almond, fresh walnut and fennel seeds. |
Bodegas Félix Sanz | Viña Cimbrón Verdejo Barrel Fermented | 2024 | 93 | Bright and elegant with camomile, linden and vervain underpinning the guava, melon and yellow apple fruit. At once nuanced and energetic. Fluid undercurrent of white grapefruit and apple juice. Ends with a pithy pull of crunchy orchard fruit and toasted almond. |
Ramón Bilbao | Finca Las Amedias | 2021 | 93 | Really pleasant, this is chiseled, pure and fresh, with really defined conference pear, green apple, loquat and apricot topped with lime zest. Mineral, saline backbone keeps it lively throughout. Finishes with a delicious touch of green olive brine. One for seafood. |
Protos | Verdejo Cuvée Eco | 2024 | 92 | Fine, well-defined framework. Intense herbal notes of dry hay, blanched almonds, camomile and wild flower, over yellow apple, conference pear and quince. Outer rim of loquat and fresh, fleshy apricots. Elegant, lifted weight on the mid palate, with a backdrop of autumn meadow and jasmine. Long nutty tail of fresh walnuts. |
Bodegas Marqués de Cáceres | La Capilla Blanco | 2024 | 92 | The character of each variety is nicely leveraged, underpinned by nutty intensity. Both wood and alcohol are very well integrated. Weighty lemon curd, cooked pear and fleshly pickled walnuts on the mid-palate. Wet hay, vervain and rose water add nuance. A really gastronomic wine with a tingling outline of lemon zest and pear peel. |
Rodríguez y Sanzo | El Quinto Paraje | 2024 | 92 | Nice detail, fluidity with succulent lemon pie, blanched almonds, fleshy walnuts and red apple. Bitter almond and green olive tapenade give it a savoury edge. Really fine smoky and nutty rim. Fluid floral nuances on the seams (rose, camomile, linden). Lovely moreish, walnut-like persistence, topped with fennel seed. |
Valdecuevas | Verdejo Fermentado en Barrica | 2024 | 92 | Sweet quality to the peach, pineapple and pear fruit that leads the nose. Intense roasted pineapple flavours, topped with toasted almonds and dry flowers. Zesty intensity and verve offset by creamy, nutty allure. Fluid on the mid palate, with a smoky twist at the end. |
Álvarez y Díez | Mantel Blanco Fermentado en Barrica | 2024 | 92 | Good integration of wood, providing a gentle nutty outline to the red apple, pear and quince fruit. Concentration and density on the mid-palate, with expressive apricot and loquat, offset by wild flower, hay and linden florality. |
Belondrade | Belondrade y Lurton | 2024 | 92 | Really interesting, expressive wine, led by an assertive, smoky nuttiness that gives it bite, verve and definition. Moreish, saline structure throughout, lifted by the acid backbone. Intense and unapologetic, with a funky edge and uncompromising density. I like its character and upfrontness. |
Muelas de Tordesillas | Helena La Lía Acacia | 2023 | 92 | Top florality and meaty nuttiness weaving wildflowers, hay and blanched almonds. Potpourri, dried rose petals, apricot, melon, and glazed pineapple layer on the palate. Assertive fleshy grip at the white orchard fruit core, drenched in melon and peach juice. Elegant, briny salinity. Long finish. |
De Alberto | Verdejo Fermentado en Barrica | 2023 | 92 | Nose of red apple, nectarine and loquat. Beautiful definition and etched edges to the pomelo, quince, pear and crunchy pineapple fruit. Honey-glazed almonds, ripe melon and roasted pineapple play in the background. Pleasant weight on the mid-palate. Touches of dry mint and thyme. |
José Pariente | Finca Las Comas | 2022 | 92 | Alluring earthy nose mingling wet clay, hay, camomile, thyme and apple blossom. The palate follows with red apple, peach, nectarine, melon and glazed pineapple framed by a gentle toastiness – think flaked almonds and hazelnut shell. Balanced, elegant, approachable, delicious. |
Bodegas Verdeal | 500 Flores | 2021 | 92 | Elegant, nutty and moreish with cooked pear and toasted almonds jumping from the glass. The wood is well worked and integrated, layering marzipan and moreish yellow apple and pineapple fruit. Long tail of pink grapefruit jam, lemon curd and frangipane. Final twist of roasted fennel. |
Uvas Felices | El Perro Verde Edición Especial | 2024 | 92 | Fresh nose of wet stone, fresh meadow and almond blossom. The palate follows with equal detail and nuance. Assertive bite to the core of crunchy peach, conference pear, quince and apricot, lifted by creamy citrus. Long tail of hay and loquat. |
Muelas de Tordesillas | Helena La Lía | 2023 | 92 | Top notes of dill, freshly cut grass, linden and camomile. The palate follows with flowing precision but also fleshy generosity to the pear, white grapefruit and pear fruit. Lovely saline outline. The influence of oak is minimal; this is mostly an elegant, pure, focused Verdejo. Bitter almond and lemon pith add sour intrigue to the finish. |
Bodega La Granadilla | Selección Familiar | 2023 | 91 | Nuanced, delicate nose of rose petals, camomile and linden. Dynamic palate of lemon pith, apple peel and Marcona almonds. Distinct, moreish yet assertive, with great focus throughout and a herbaceous lining to the acid backbone. Finishes with bitter guava and gooseberry. |
Bodegas Félix Lorenzo Cachazo | Carrasviñas Fermentado en Barrica | 2024 | 91 | Toasted, glazed almonds, hay and dried wild flowers dominate the nose. The palate echoes the aromas with fleshy almond sprinkled abundantly over pear, yellow apple and pineapple. Gently moreish and very drinkable, with an elegant floral and herbal background. Touch of fennel and coriander seeds. |
Valdubón | Verdejo Roble | 2024 | 91 | Oak is successfully leveraged to bring a toasty backdrop to the fleshy orchard fruit. Lovely presence on the mid-palate, with weighty preserved lemon, yellow apple and crispy pear. Subtle nuances of apricot and pink grapefruit. An ideal 'upgrade' to your everyday Verdejo. |
Jorge Ordoñez | Nisia Las Suertes | 2024 | 91 | Beautiful nuanced nose of preserved lemon and salted Marcona almonds. The wood tannins are slightly sweet but offset by briny salinity. A wine to enjoy with food. Moreish, intense yet appetising. |
Bodega Matarromera | CM Fermentado en Barrica | 2024 | 91 | Lifted, gently fragrant with balmy linden, mint and dill. Creamy and fluid on the generous palate of lemon, red apple peel, nectarine, glazed almonds, yellow apple and nectarine. Long tail of loquat and apricot. |
Finca Montepedroso | Enoteca | 2022 | 90 | A seductive wine, with a strong character, deftly layering lemon curd, yellow apple, pickled walnut, salted almonds, ripe apple and pear. It does show a particular, moreish, developed side of Verdejo. |
Avelino Vegas | Isabel Arranz Carácter | 2024 | 90 | Great purity of flavour and texture in this well-focused, poised wine. Wet stone, hay and blanched almonds add nuance to the red apple and pear peel fruit. Bitter twist of gooseberry, white grapefruit pith and crunchy pineapple. An enjoyable if simple wine. |
Bodegas Pita | Vino en Terracota | 2023 | 89 | There's refreshing dynamism on the nose but broody weight on the palate with its intense confected orchard fruit and bruised apples. Moreish Russet apple, frangipane and membrillo notes fill the mouth, topped with zesty orange peel and fig leaf. |
Pilar García Duque | Garcia Duque | 2024 | 89 | Subtle use of oak, simply providing a gentle nutty outline to the fleshy, pure white peach, pear and quince fruit. Intense fennel, thyme and white asparagus layered throughout. A great, refined everyday drinker. |
Valdecuevas | Orange | 2022 | 89 | Red apple and nectarine, with a lifted background, dance in the glass. Weighty on the mid-palate with succulent mango, apricot and marmalade, all cloaked in jasmine, rose petals, sage and thyme. Balsamic details, with fragrant basil, eucalyptus and mint. |
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.
Discover more about DO Rueda: dorueda.com
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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: Verdejo's essence
Rueda report 2026: Sauvignon Blanc
