Verdejo

Verdejo is a white grape variety grown in Spain and increasingly popular outside of its homeland. It is known for its aromatic character and potential to produce high-quality wines.

Verdejo has a light-green hue, giving the variety its name (verde in Spanish means green). Its aromas are intense, with notes of herbs, grass, lemon and lime. On the palate, Verdejo has a medium-high acidity, with a flavour profile that includes stone fruits and citrus.

Verdejo is most commonly grown in the Rueda region of Spain, where its cultivation dates back to Roman times. It is also grown in other parts of Spain, such as La Mancha and Rioja, and is planted to some extent in Portugal, France, Australia, California and Mexico. Verdejo is a vigorous variety and is particularly susceptible to mildew and botrytis. In the winery, Verdejo is typically fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve its freshness and aromatics. The Verdejo wines of Rueda have a distinctive character, with aromas of herbs, grass and lemon peel. The wines are generally light- to medium-bodied, with a crisp acidity, and they can range from unoaked to barrel-fermented. Verdejo from other regions of Spain tends to be fuller-bodied and more intensely aromatic, often with notes of stone fruits. Verdejo's crisp acidity and herbal notes make it a great match for Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine.

According to legends, Verdejo was brought to Spain by Moors during the 11th century and was used to make a type of wine called "al-fursan" or "the knights".