(ver DAY hoe)
Synonyms: Verdejo Blanco, Gouvelo, Verdal Del Pais, Verdeja, Verdeja Blanca, Verdejo Palido, Verdelho
Wine Name: Verdejo, Rueda Verdejo, White Rioja
Background: Verdejo is probably originally from North Africa but grown primarily in Spain in the Rueda, Toro, Cigales and Rioja regions. Early Verdejo up until the 1980’s was made into sherry type wines since it oxidizes easily. Now through the efforts of Marqués de Riscal and Marqués de Griñon who brought it back from obscurity in the 1980’s, it is made into a full bodied white wine with pear overtones. With age, it may become nutty and honeyed in a few years like a sherry. It is often blended with Macebeo (Viura) and/or Sauvignon Blanc.
Classic Brands and Sources: Alvarez y Díaz, Belondrade y Lurton, Angel Lorenzo Cachazo, Marqués de Riscal, Vega de la Reina, Angel Rodríguez Vidal, Castilla la Vieja
Characteristics:
| Style #1 – young, fresh
Body – medium Acidity – medium Sweetness – dry but fruity Tannins – low |
| Style #2 – aged 3+ years
Body – medium (+) Acidity – low Sweetness – dry but honeyed Tannins – low |
Wine and food pairing guidelines:
pairs well with less acidic, savory dishes with herbs
Foods and Entrees that usually pair:
fish/shellfish baked or poached with a savory sauce, or fried, frittatas, seafood pasta, polenta, pesto, white pizzas, risotto, savory soups, vegetable dishes
Cheese Pairings:
American, Colby, Mild cheddar, Velveeta, Double Glouchester (similar to mild cheddar), Fontina, Gouda, Manchego, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, Provolone, Triple Creme, St André, Zamarano (Spanish sheep’s milk cheese), Brie and Camembert (without rinds)