Telmo Rodríguez 2002 Basa White (Rueda)

One of the tastiest, best-made value whites in the world remains Basa, a blend of Verdejo, Viura and Sauvignon Blanc. Since bursting onto the wine scene in the late '90s, Basa, which means “base” or “foundation” in Spanish, has never failed to excel. In the 2002 version, winemaker Telmo Rodriguez, who began his career at his father's Remelluri estate in Rioja, has managed to capture the purest grapefruit, passion fruit and citrus flavors, all the while creating a wine with body, bracing acids and simple joy. A surefire apéritif, and also a fine bet for salads or fish. Michael Schachner