Rueda is a large appellation and a lot of the Verdejo labeled as such actually comes from large, mechanically farmed vineyards further east.  That explains why there is so much innocuous Rueda out there- a lot smells and tastes like cheap New Zealand Sauv Blanc.  This is NOT one of those wines.  From the sandy Santiuste de San Juan Batista zone in the heart of the appellation, Nisia is from ungrafted Verdejo vines planted in 1920, 1921 and 1942. Dry farmed, hand harvested and barrel fermented, this is to cheap Rueda what Ferraris are to basic transportation.  Bright, fresh and dense with complex citrusy, almost tropical flavors, it finishes with mineral and a light touch of beautiful lemongrass.  Fabulous for oysters, crabs and all kinds of fresh seafood, it’s a zingy fresh aperitif as well.  Really impressive and, at $17, just a stunning value in a house white! Sign me up.

Wine Enthusiast: A bouquet of Bosc pear, nectarine and brined green olives paves the way for peach, honeydew melon, fennel bulb and vanilla bean flavors. Notes of white chocolate and lemon zest endure into the vibrant finish. 91 points