Albariño might be the white grape people most commonly associate with Spain, but I’d like to nominate another worthy variety: Verdejo. The flagship white grape of Rueda, a region sandwiched between Ribero del Duero and Toro in north-central Spain, Verdejo produces stunning wines of concentration and complexity, with perhaps a touch more body and stone-fruit-driven intensity than Albariño. The region is more inland and warmer than coastal Spain, but high elevation and a big temperature swing between day and night helps to keep the wines here snappy and fresh. The other major white grape grown in Rueda is Sauvignon Blanc, and when blended with Verdejo, as the 2024 Pago del Cielo “Celeste” Verdejo is, each variety complements the other, leading to a sum greater than its two individual parts. In this wine, 14% Sauvignon Blanc highlights youth and primary fruit, lending an ultra-zesty and racy finish, while the Verdejo contributes signature yellow peach and nectarine notes, as well as Meyer lemon zest and orange blossom. Incredibly vibrant, with ripe and juicy yellow fruit notes, the finish lingers. This wine is fermented in stainless steel, which emphasizes its crispness and vibrancy, then aged in the same tanks on the fine lees, which adds a bit of richness on the palate – just enough to add depth and weight – making it perhaps the ideal food wine for warm summer days. I would pair this wine with shrimp cocktail, sushi, summer salads, or even just on its own, hopefully poolside on a sunny day.