Verdejo is the ultimate grape for celebrating the sunshine-filled days ahead.

Whether it’s Victoria Day in May or World Verdejo Day June 13, this refreshing and vibrant white wine from D.O. Rueda, Spain, is your go-to sip for summer. If you’re a fan of Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, or Assyrtiko, let me introduce you to the next wine that deserves a spot in your wine lexicon: Verdejo wine from Rueda.

Rueda, with its unique climate and long-standing winemaking history, has made Verdejo the star of its wine scene. This grape shines with its fresh, citrusy notes, crisp acidity, and vibrant profile, making it ideal for everything from casual outdoor gatherings to more sophisticated summer soirées. Rueda Verdejo wine is the perfect wine to raise your glass to summer, especially as we gear up for the celebrations around Victoria Day wine pairings.

Verdejo Wine Tasting with a Canadian Twist

Why not elevate your Victoria Day celebrations with a touch of Canadian charm? When hosting a Verdejo wine tasting, pair these exceptional wines from Rueda with Canadian dishes, showcasing how Spanish elegance and Canadian flavours can unite.

Here are six Verdejo wines that will make your Victoria Day (and the summer to follow) unforgettable:

Bodega Eresma – Adra Verdejo

Tasting Notes: A fresh, aromatic wine with citrus, green apple, and herbaceous notes. It’s vibrant and well-balanced, perfect for seafood, fresh salads, or light white meats.
Winemaking: Modern techniques preserve the fresh and fruity characteristics, with fermentation at controlled temperatures to maintain its lively personality

Pairing: A grilled vegetable and halloumi skewer with a lemon-maple vinaigrette. The Verdejo wine’s acidity enhances the charred vegetables and creamy halloumi, while the vinaigrette adds a refreshing kick.
Sip & Tell: Fun Winery Trivia: Bodegas Ersma, is named after the river it’s located near.

Bodega Cuatro Rayas – Cuatro Rayas Cuarenta Vendimias Verdejo

Tasting Notes: This wine has a brilliant straw colour and offers fresh citrus, apple, and melon aromas. The palate is crisp with bright acidity, making it a refreshing choice for warmer days.
Winemaking: Made from old vines using a blend of modern techniques and traditional values to ensure freshness and character.
Pairing: Try it with grilled corn on the cob brushed with herb-infused butter. The crisp acidity and citrus notes complement the sweetness of the corn and richness of the butter.
Sip & Tell: Fun Winery Trivia: Bodega Cuatro Rayas, established in 1935, is a cooperative winery (over 300 vinegrowers) in the DO Rueda region of Spain

Bodegas Moha (Lagar de Moha) – Sapientia Verdejo

Tasting Notes: Offering complexity and depth, this Verdejo wine presents vibrant citrus aromas, green apple, and fennel with a long, elegant finish.
Winemaking: Made from ungrafted vines and fermented in stainless steel to preserve its fresh, pure character.
Pairing: Grilled Canadian wild trout seasoned with lemon and fresh herbs. The Verdejo enhances the delicate fish flavours, with citrus notes boosting the bright, herbaceous finish.
Sip & Tell: Fun Winery Trivia: Lagar de Moha does not use pesticides, insecticides or chemical synthesis manures in their vineyards and only produces organic wines, and is the first biodynamic winery in D.O. Rueda

Bodegas Hermanos del Villar – Oro De Castilla Verdejo

Tasting Notes: Intense citrus and tropical fruit notes are complemented by fennel and herbs. Fresh and crisp with lively acidity, this wine is perfect for seafood.
Winemaking: Temperature-controlled fermentation and sustainable practices ensure the purity and character of the grape.
Pairing: Pair this refreshing wine with a lobster roll. The wine’s citrusy brightness balances the rich, buttery lobster, making it a memorable seafood pairing.
Sip & Tell: Fun Winery Trivia: In 1955, Pablo del Villar Escudero came to Rueda and purchased the estate of Doña Sara Pimentel, and now Bodega Hermanos Del Villar has over 150 hectares of vineyards distributed between three municipalities: Rueda, La Seca and Alaejos

Finca Montepedroso – Finca Montepedroso

Tasting Notes: A crisp, aromatic Verdejo wine with bright citrus and green apple flavours, along with a subtle floral edge and a soft, elegant mouthfeel.
Winemaking: Hand-harvested grapes from high-altitude vineyards and minimal intervention preserve the natural character and freshness of the Verdejo grape.
Pairing: Maple-glazed pork ribs are a great match. The Verdejo’s balance and texture complement the rich, smoky flavours of the ribs, making this perfect for a summer BBQ.
Sip & Tell: Fun Winery Trivia: The winery was built at the ground level of a small plateau where the vineyard is located to incorporate itself into the surrounding environment perfectly, and it is 750 meters above sea level

Bodega de Alberto – De Alberto Dorado

Tasting Notes: A fortified Verdejo wine with nutty, honeyed flavours that complement ripe citrus and tropical fruits. It’s rich yet balanced with a smooth, creamy texture.
Winemaking: Aged for at least two years in barrels, this fortified style develops complexity and depth, similar to Sherry.
Pairing: Pair this wine with grilled Canadian plums and ice cream. The richness and depth of the Dorado wine balance the sweetness of the plums and the creaminess of the ice cream, making it an unforgettable dessert pairing.
Sip & Tell: Fun Winery Trivia: Bodegas De Alberto is located in an old farmhouse in the heart of Castilla y Leon, The winery is located in a 17th-century underground cellar network (one kilometer in length), a testament to its long history

D.O. Rueda: The Heart of Verdejo

Located 170 km northwest of Madrid along the Duero River, D.O. Rueda is the birthplace of Verdejo. Its hot summers and cold winters create the perfect balance of sugar and acidity, while sandy, mineral-rich soils nurture the grape. Verdejo has been grown here for over 1,000 years, becoming the region’s flagship grape. Today, wineries blend traditional and modern techniques to create wines that are fresh, aromatic, and full of character, making Rueda Verdejo one of Spain’s most celebrated wines.

A Perfect Pairing for a Sunny Occasion

Rueda’s Verdejo pairs beautifully with a wide variety of Canadian dishes, from grilled seafood and roasted meats to fresh salads and vegetable-based meals. Its crisp acidity and vibrant fruit profile make it a great choice for everything from casual BBQs to more elegant meals. Many Rueda wineries also embrace sustainable practices, so you can enjoy these wines with a clear conscience.

Look for D.O. Rueda Verdejos at the LCBO, in local restaurants, and share a bottle with friends who love wine. Whether you’re pairing it with classic Canadian fare or simply sipping on its own, Verdejo brings joy to any occasion.

So, this Victoria Day (or World Verdejo Day in June), grab a bottle of Verdejo and celebrate summer with a wine as refreshing as the season itself.