Bodega Reina de Castilla, Rueda (Castilla y León, Spain) Verdejo 2018

 This is the sort of Verdejo to make converts among those who’ve never experienced an excellent rendition of this variety from Rueda.  Very overtly juicy and expressive, it is driven by fruity aromas and flavors that include the distinct categories of stone fruits, citrus, and tropical fruits — in that order.  It shows none of the grassiness that sometimes makes Verdejo seem not-so-distinct from Sauvignon Blanc, nor any of the excessive sulfur that sometimes mars Rueda Verdejo when made by excessively cautious producers.  Beautifully balanced by fresh acidity that keeps all that juicy fruit from tasting like the famous chewing gum bearing that name, this is a great choice for summer sipping or for tableside use with all sorts of finfish or shellfish dishes.