North of Madrid, within continental Castilla y Leon, the white wine-producing region of Rueda lies with rocky, stone-filled soils that trap the heat of the sunshine during the day and the cooling temperatures of the evening (helping keep fruit fresh). This is the home of Verdejo, a citrus and sunshine-filled variety that is the signature of Spain’s Rueda region. This place has been producing premium wines for centuries. In the 15th century, Queen Isabella of Castile enacted protections over the vineyards that Rueda now encompasses, ensuring the vineyards would always be the home to quality wine.

Beronia Verdejo ($12) sings with flowering citrus and herbaceous notes, including lime leaf, lemon balm, and soft herbs like tarragon and fennel, leading into flavors of ripe lemon, tropical passionfruit, golden grapefruit, and wet stone, finishing with a zippy note of minerality and a touch of bitter melon. Pair with fresh seafood and shellfish, like grilled shrimp, or creamy pasta primavera.