Naia Verdejo 2023

93 Points - Tim Atkin

2023 Bodegas Naia Verdejo

Rueda DO, Spain
100% Verdejo

Tasting Notes

The 2023 Naia is a fresh, aromatic and beautifully textured expression of Verdejo. The nose shows lemon and lime, white peach, apricot, pear, fennel and wild herbs, with subtle floral and mineral nuances.

On the palate, it is bright and lively but with more body and texture than many inexpensive Verdejos. Citrus and stone-fruit flavors lead into notes of grapefruit, green apple and fresh herbs, with a pleasant mineral character and the slight bitter finish that is classic to Verdejo.

Bodegas Naia describes the wine as balanced, dense and unctuous, with the aromatics evolving as the wine opens in the glass.

Interesting Facts

• Verdejo's Home: Rueda is arguably the region most closely associated with Verdejo. The grape has become Spain's signature crisp, aromatic white variety.
• High-Elevation Vineyards: Naia's vineyards sit approximately 750–800 meters (2,460–2,625 feet) above sea level. The significant day-to-night temperature swings help preserve acidity while allowing the grapes to develop concentrated fruit flavors.
• Mature Vines: The grapes come from vines averaging approximately 30–45 years old, which contribute additional concentration and complexity.
• Not Just Stainless Steel: This is an important distinction for selling the wine. Approximately 70% ferments in stainless steel, while 30% ferments in large French oak vats and 600-liter barrels. The wine then spends approximately four months on its lees, giving it more texture than a simple, stainless-steel Verdejo.
• The Naia Style: Bodegas Naia focuses on producing Verdejo that combines the grape's natural fruitiness with silky texture, freshness and elegance, rather than making an aggressively tropical wine.

• Food Pairings

  This is an extremely versatile wine:

  • 🦐 Grilled shrimp or prawns
  • 🐟 Grilled branzino or sea bass
  • 🦪 Oysters and shellfish
  • 🍣 Sushi and sashimi
  • 🥗 Salads with citrus vinaigrette
  • 🥬 Grilled vegetables
  • 🧀 Fresh goat cheese
  • 🍗 Lemon-herb chicken
  • 🍤 Spanish-style garlic shrimp
  • 🌮 Fish tacos

  It would also be a great summer patio wine—especially for Miami.

  Why We Love It

  The biggest selling point here is value.

  Naia gives customers the refreshing citrus, peach, herbal and mineral character they want from Verdejo, but the lees aging and partial French-oak fermentation give it a rounder, more substantial mouthfeel than many inexpensive Spanish whites.

  It's an excellent alternative for someone who normally reaches for Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño or Pinot Grigio but wants to try something different.

  Serving Temperature: 45–48°F
  Decant: Not necessary
  Drink Window: Best now through 2027
  Style: Crisp • Aromatic • Textured • Mineral • Food-Friendly