One Grape, Three Ways: Verdejo
What it is, where it's from and three to try...
What is Verdejo and what does it taste like?
Lovers of Sauvignon Blanc looking for something a little different will do well to seek out the Verdejo grape variety. As far as taste families go they’re a little like siblings, with both grapes sharing an intense, aromatic, grassy zesty personality, which can go tropical, especially if oak is involved. Verdejo however, is a little more yellow green in the glass and alongside its plush lime and greengage fruit flavours, there’s something slightly fennel or aniseed about it. Body-wise, Verdejo is a little fuller and textural than most Sauvignons and it can have a characteristic bitterness and minerality on the finish too.
Where is the Verdejo grape from?
While tiny pockets of Verdejo can be found around Spain and occasionally elsewhere in the world, the place to know about really is Rueda D.O. (Designation of Origin), which is located in the Community of Castilla y León in Spain. This is a wine region famous for white wines, though some red and rosé is made. It is Verdejo however that is the star of the show as the flagship white wine grape, with vines here dating back a thousand years. The most highly prized vineyards for it are largely concentrated around the municipalities of La Seca, Rueda, and Serrada.
What to Eat with Verdejo?
Verdejo’s acidity, especially when it’s a young wine, cuts through the richness of seafood beautifully and enhances anything citrus or with vinaigrette, so grilled or fried fish, shellfish and salads work really nicely. It’s a great choice for goats cheese too and any aromatic, green herbs which might normally be tricky to match, such as dill and coriander. Older and more oak aged Verdejo wine can take stronger, richer flavours and creamy sauces.
One Grape, Three Ways: Verdejo from Rueda
Sparkling
Palacio de Bornos Brut Nature (100% Verdejo) NV
Palacio de Bornos was the first Rueda winery to make a sparkling wine and this is an exceptional fizz made in the traditional method (like Champagne) and as it’s a ‘brut nature,’ meaning it’s made without the usual dose of sugar (dosage) added. Extended lees aging give this a rich, textured mouthfeel and a sense of ripe fruit despite the lack of sugar. A great food wine that will love smoked or grilled fish particularly.
Find it on offer at £14.36 at spanishwinesonline
Crisp & Elegant
Finca La Colina Verdejo CIEN X CIEN 2024
Made by the oldest winery in D.O. Rueda, this is a classic, aperitif style Verdejo, grown in the renowned La Seca part of the region. It’s pale yellowy green in the glass and bright, crisp and saline on the palate, with understated notes of tropical guava and fresh herbs.
Find it for £14.73 from winebuyers.com
Fuller & Foodie
Marques de Riscal Limousin Gran Vino de Rueda 2023
Gran Vino de Rueda is a relatively new classification for wine made with old vines (must be 30 years plus) and lower grape yields for extra concentration. Marques de Riscal is better known for its Rioja wines but here, they make a stunning, foodie Verdejo from grapes hand harvested from old bush vines grown in the highest terraces of Rueda, then aged in French Limousin oak. The result is a full-bodied, fleshy, slightly waxy wine with elegant tropical notes, a creamy texture and a whiff of toastiness
Find it for £22.99 at thewineflyer.co.uk