Verdejo
Spain has a white wine you may not have heard of – Verdejo from Rueda. Think of a more flavorful Saviounan Blanc, with half the fussiness and price.
While all Verdejo is produced in Spain, its origins lay in Northern Africa. As you may know a large part of Spain was under Arab rule from ~ 7th century to the 15th. It is believed that Verdejo was brought over in the 11th century by Mozarabs, a group of Christians who lived under Muslim rule. The Verdejo back then is believed to be more like Sherry, with nutty and developed flavors.
For centuries, Verdejo remained a relatively obscure grape, primarily grown in the Rueda region northwest of Madrid. The 20th century brought challenges, with phylloxera, a grapevine pest, nearly wiping out Verdejo vineyards. The dedication of a few passionate winemakers, like Ángel Rodríguez Vidal, helped preserve the grape and revive its fortunes
A turning point came in 1980 with the establishment of the Rueda Denominación de Origen (DO). This designation set quality standards and protected the region’s unique identity. With this recognition, Verdejo winemaking underwent a transformation. Modern techniques focused on preserving the grape’s natural acidity and freshness, resulting in the crisp, citrusy, and fruit-forward white wines Verdejo is known for today. This shift in style, along with its affordability and versatility, propelled Verdejo,making it a popular choice for white wine drinkers worldwide. It is simply a fantastic summer wine.
Verdejo boasts a fascinating history, traveling across continents before finding its modern home in Spain. The grape likely originated in North Africa, possibly brought to the Iberian Peninsula by Mozarabs, a group of Christians who lived under Muslim rule, during the 11th century. Early Verdejo wines in Spain differed greatly from what we know today. They were often oxidized, similar to Sherry
Verdejo for Every Budget:
Verdejo’s strength lies in its refreshing acidity and affordability. Here’s a range of options to explore:
Every Day (Under $15):
- Marqués de Riscal Rueda
- Marques de Caceras
- Palacio de Bornos Verdejo
A Little Nicer
- José Pariente Verdejo
- Javier Sanz Viñas Viejas Verdejo
- Bodegas Ramon Bilbao Verdejo
Something Special
- Bodega Belondrade y Lurton Verdejo
- Ossian Vinas Viejas