Álvarez y Diez / Mantel Blanco, Rudea (Castilla y León, Spain) Verdejo 2022

 This is superb Verdejo, complete and fully ready to enjoy either as an aperitif or a table wine.  It is lightly herbal and citrusy, in keeping with the variety’s tendencies.  Displaying fine concentration, it zig-zags between seeming medium-bodied when first tasted on its own, but then lighter as the acidity kicks in during the persistent finish — but then seeming more powerful again when tried with food.  Zesty and fresh, but also offering layered aromas and flavors that keep this from seeming simple, this delivers everything delivered by Pinot Grigio — plus a lot more, and at a comparable price.