"The 2023 Nisia Las Suertes is 100% Verdejo from very old vines (possibly even the 1880s) and was aged on the lees with bâtonnage for a minimum of 7 months in French oak puncheons and demi-muids. It has more melon ball, hay, crushed stone, and subtly honey nuances that carry to a beautifully textured, layered white with a gorgeous mid-palate, integrated acidity, and a great finish. It's a serious wine that's geared for the dinner table." -Jeb Dunnuck

Verdejo (pictured above), an esteemed white grape varietal native to Spain, thrives in the sun-drenched vineyards of the Rueda region, where it flourishes in the region's sandy soils and continental climate. Revered for its aromatic intensity and vibrant acidity, Verdejo produces wines of exceptional freshness and elegance. Verdejo wines are characterized by their aromatic bouquet of citrus fruits, tropical notes, and subtle herbal undertones. With a medium body and crisp acidity, they offer a refreshing palate that pairs perfectly with seafood, salads, and light appetizers. As interest in Spanish wines grows, Verdejo has emerged as a shining star, captivating wine enthusiasts with its expressive character and undeniable charm. Its ability to reflect the unique terroir of Rueda makes Verdejo a beloved choice among both novices and connoisseurs alike.

Historically, D.O. Rueda (area in dark purple on map) is one of Spain’s finest white winemaking regions. When the capital of Castilla León was in Valladolid, the wines of Rueda (and those of Toro) were celebrated by the Spanish medieval court. The most important indigenous grape in Rueda is Verdejo, named for the green hue of the skins. For centuries Rueda produced quality Verdejo, but was annihilated by the phylloxera, which wiped out two thirds of the region’s vineyards. When American rootstocks were selected for grafting, they were chosen for productivity, not quality. This focus on quantity over quality defined the region for much of the 20th century, until several important producers resuscitated the region’s commitment to quality in the 1970’s. Today, most of the region is focused on bulk wine from newer clones of Verdejo and Sauvignon Blanc. These vineyards are typically planted in the central part of the appellation, which is defined by extremely productive red clay soils. There are small pockets of extremely old, ungrafted vineyards of the original clones of Verdejo in the south-eastern part of the appellation. It is Bodegas Ordóñez’s goal to find and champion these authentic vineyards.