Marqués de Riscal Verdejo Rueda Blanco 75cl

Crisp, dry Rioja Blanco that makes weeknight dinner feel like you actually planned it. The 2021 vintage from Marqués de Riscal is the kind of Spanish white you pour when you want freshness, flavour, and zero fuss.

If your usual is Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, this is a smart switch-up. Same easy, bright vibe, but with a little more Spanish personality, think citrus and orchard fruit with a clean, mouthwatering finish that keeps things lively.

• Appearance: Pale straw, bright and clear.
• Nose: Lemon zest, green apple, white flowers, and a hint of fresh herbs.
• Palate: Dry and crisp, with citrus-led fruit, refreshing acidity, and a light mineral edge.
• Body: Light to medium-bodied, easy to sip but not watery.
• Finish: Clean and zippy, with a subtle citrus peel aftertaste.

Food pairing: Go straight for grilled prawns, sushi, or a big salad with goat cheese and a squeeze of lemon.

This is a great “fridge white” to keep around because it’s instantly useful. It wakes up salty snacks, handles spice better than heavier whites, and works just as well for a casual glass as it does for a last-minute dinner guest situation.

Want an easy serve? Chill it properly, pour it into a real wine glass, and pair it with anything that has citrus, herbs, or olive oil in the mix. It’s also a sneaky-good move with tapas night, think olives, anchovies, and fried calamari.

Spain does white wine differently than most people expect, and Rioja Blanco is a big part of that. It’s not trying to be tropical or sugary, it’s trying to be refreshing and food-friendly, which is exactly why it disappears so fast at the table.

Fun Fact: Marqués de Riscal is one of Rioja’s most famous names, and the winery’s jaw-dropping, rainbow-metal building was designed by architect Frank Gehry.