I joined wine lovers nationwide in the celebration of NATIONAL VERDEJO DAY on June 12th. The first annual Verdejo Day was dedicated to celebrating the signature grape of Spanish wine region D.O. Rueda. With unforgettable wines, dynamic DJs and simultaneous parties in New York City, Chicago, Miami and Los Angeles this was an event not to be missed! Miami’s party was held at the fashionable Soho Beach House Hotel. The wine samples were paired with passed appetizers. Here is my photo recap of the event:

What I learned from the tasting event is that Verdejo is a deeply aromatic, and dry white wine grape. Take a sip and you’ll see why it’s utterly perfect for spring and summer sipping (not to mention affordable, too). With their balanced acidity and minerality, wines from Rueda are extremely food-friendly and versatile, ideal for popping at a moment’s notice and sharing with friends. If you enjoy Sauvignon Blanc or are maybe just want to expand you wine IQ try Verdejo. It’s my new favorite summer white! Here are two of their wines that I tried at home with seafood.

*Palacio De Bornos Verdejo 2013 – D.O. Rueda (SRP: $ 13) Nice aromatics of tropical fruit, tangerine, lemongrass and lemon thyme. Fruity notes with anise and minerals, typical of the Verdejo grape.  Well structured, dense and persistent with a lingering aftertaste. A delicious mouth-filling richness, and finished with a precise acid cut.

*Verdeo Verdejo 2013 – D.O. Rueda (SRP: $ 10.99)  Beautiful pale yellow color, flecked with green tints. Characterized by distinct notes of tropical fruit accompanied by citrus and a touch of fennel. Its intense nose adds to its freshness and elegance, with a lingering finish in the mouth, once again noting the green fruit so typical of the Verdejo variety.

So what are you waiting for?!  Look for these wines at your local wine store. Also check dorueda.com and Follow @RuedaWines for more information. 
Salud!

‘Lovely’ Leslie Heigh
Freelance Photojournalist 
The ‘Bon Vivant ‘ Blogger
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