Rueda sits on a high, sandy plateau in central Spain, where wide temperature swings between day and night preserve freshness in what would otherwise be a very warm growing region. It's built almost entirely around Verdejo, a white grape that produces zesty, herbal, slightly bitter-edged wines often compared to Sauvignon Blanc, though the two are unrelated. Sauvignon Blanc is grown here too, sometimes blended with Verdejo for extra aromatic lift.

Key grapes: Verdejo, Sauvignon Blanc