The Rueda D.O. is well-known for stellar white wines and Bodegas Naia consistently produces real gems. The winery is situated along the southern bank of the Duero River and the Bodega possesses 40 hectares of vines that are located near the village of La Seca. Rueda has short, hot summers, with very cool nights due to the regions' high elevation - 700 meters above sea level - allowing the grapes a longer hang time on the vine and plenty of intense sunshine which translates into a full and flavorful wine. The vineyards are covered in gravel with a clay bed below and that dynamic contrast between the arid stones (which lend the wine a bright mineral component) and the clay (that enable the vines to retain moisture throughout the dry summer months) brightens the fruity component of the wine. Thirty year old Verdejo vines produce the fruit and the grapes are harvested at their maximum ripeness and fermented in stainless steel tanks. The wine is aged on the lees for four months to accentuate the characteristics of Verdejo - bright, aromatic, minerally fruit with steely acidity - and lends the wine it's blonde straw color.

Peach, apricot and honeysuckle aromas dominate the nose and are backed by the slightest trace of lime and blood orange zest. Loads of white peach backed by honeydew and cantaloupe flavors that are set off by the wines electrifying acidity dominate the palate. This affordable white is idea with oysters, mussles, seared tuna steaks, swordfish carpaccio, grilled octopus, and chicken paillard.

—Donald