José Pariente Verdejo

Rueda DO, Spain

The estate Verdejo that defines modern Rueda: vivid aromatics of fennel, white peach, citrus zest, and cut herbs; bright acidity from the high-altitude plateau; and a characteristic bitter almond finish. José Pariente's Verdejo demonstrates the variety at its most compelling — fresh, food-friendly, and with greater complexity than its price suggests. A benchmark aperitif and seafood wine.

Pairing intelligence

• starter: José Pariente Verdejo and gambas al ajillo: the classic Spanish white wine and seafood pairing. The wine's fennel, citrus, and mineral character cuts through the olive oil richness; the garlic amplifies the Verdejo's herbal aromatics; the prawns' sweetness bridges the wine's characteristic bitter almond finish. An everyday Spanish pairing executed at high quality.
• cheese: Rueda Verdejo and Manchego: the defining Spanish aperitivo pairing. The wine's bright herbal acidity cuts through the sheep's milk fat; the quince paste's sweetness bridges the Verdejo's bitter almond character; the cheese's caramel depth amplifies the wine's mineral finish. An essential pairing for any Spanish wine education.