The Verdejo
Grape
A white grape variety native to the Rueda region of Spain, known for producing aromatic, high-acid wines with a distinctive profile of green apple, pear, fennel, and herbs, often with a touch of bitterness on the finish. Verdejo wines are appreciated for their freshness and complexity, especially when produced from old vines.
Verdejo
Grape History
Verdejo is a white wine grape variety that has a long and storied history, particularly in Spain. While its exact origins are debated, it is widely believed that Verdejo has been cultivated in the Rueda region of Spain for centuries. The grape's name likely comes from the Spanish word "verde," meaning green, which could refer to the grape's vibrant green skin.
One of the most interesting facts about Verdejo is its ability to thrive in warm, arid climates. This makes it particularly well-suited to the hot summers of central Spain, where it has become a staple in the production of white wines. Verdejo is known for producing wines with lively acidity, floral aromas, and notes of citrus and tropical fruits.
Rueda, located in the Castilla y León region of Spain, is the primary growing region for Verdejo. The sandy soils and continental climate of Rueda create ideal conditions for the grape to flourish. In recent years, Verdejo has also been planted in other regions of Spain, as well as in Portugal and the United States.
Verdejo is typically used to make varietal wines, but it is also commonly blended with other white grape varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc and Viura. In Rueda, Verdejo is used to produce both young, fresh wines that are best consumed within a few years of bottling, as well as more complex, barrel-aged wines that can age gracefully for several years.
The projected future of Verdejo looks bright, as the grape has been gaining popularity both domestically in Spain and internationally. Its vibrant acidity and versatile flavor profile make it a favorite among wine enthusiasts looking for a refreshing and food-friendly white wine. As consumers continue to explore and appreciate the diverse range of wines available, Verdejo is likely to continue to attract attention for its distinct character and quality.
Overall, Verdejo is a grape variety with a rich history, intriguing characteristics, and a promising future in the world of wine. Whether enjoyed on its own or as part of a blend, Verdejo is sure to continue captivating wine lovers for years to come.
Introduction
Hello, my name is Franklin Laurel - Welcome!
I started drinking wine in 1992 when I was in my early twenties and recently married. Like many other young Southern Californians, it started out with White Zinfandel. As we were a couple of young DINKs just beginning life together, and on a budget, our go-to-wine was Sutter Home White Zinfandel, which tasted a lot like wine coolers and probably cost at the time $2.49. If we really were going to splurge, we would step it up and buy Beringer White Zinfandel for $2.99. Those were the days....
After a little time, we decided to get fancy. We stepped up our game and bought some wonderful 2-Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's. The Charles Shaw (Trader Joe's Exclusive Label) wine, also known as 2-Buck-Chuck extended our pallet into Reds for only $1.99 a bottle. Over the years we continued to grow in our understanding of wine (finally ran into some good wine) and we slowly kept buying better and better bottles.
Our first wine club purchase was from Kenwood's Vineyards, in Kenwood, California located in Sonoma Valley, right next to the famous Napa Valley. I began to learn about tobacco leather, and earthiness, and lots of other strange terminology when tasting their signature Zinfandels (of the red variety). So that is how it all began.
Fast forward a couple decades, and we have been members of five different wine clubs, and now have a passion for California's red wines. My favorite by far is Cabernet Sauvignon, while my wife fancies a good Syrah, Malbec, or Merlot - but she also loves the smell of a wine barrel room, which is all about the notes of Cabernet Sauvignon.
As I come across great wine resources and useful information that I find in planning my own wine trips, I will share here for anyone that might stumble across my humble website.
Cheers! - Franklin Laurel