Winemaker Notes
100% Verdejo planted on sandy, alluvial pebble covered soils - many of the old vines are ungrafted - at the high altitudes of the Spanish Meseta, west of Segovia. An intense contintental climate provides ample sunshine for the Verdejo to develop rich aromas of peaches, pears, and tropical fruits, while the high altitudes bring cool nights that ensure balanced acidity that keeps these wines fresh. Vines are dry-farmed without use of pesticides or herbicides, hand-harvested and 20% are fermented in large, neutral French oak barrels while the rest ferments in stainless steel. This partial oak aging results in a Verdejo that shows some toasty notes of baking spice and marzipan that complement the bright peaches and pears.
Dry-farmed, no pesticides or herbicides, hand-harvested, Vegan
Captivating and full of character, Verdejo grows with great success in Rueda, Spain and virtually nowhere else in Europe. It has become so trendy in Spain since the turn of the century that plantings have also increased tremendously. Somm Secret—Contrary to what some may think, it is actually not related to the Portugese variety with a very similar name, Verdelho. In fact, DNA profiling suggests it may be a sibling of Godello, another native of NW Spain.
Rueda is located along the banks of the Duero River in Spain’s Castilla y León region, just a 2-hour drive north of Madrid. While winemaking in this area goes back to the 12th century, it was in the 1980s that the region was granted Denominación de Origen (D.O.) status. Today, more than 70 wineries call Rueda home. This national favorite is the top-selling white wine in Spain.
Notable facts Rueda’s main grape variety, Verdejo, gets it distinct complexity from stressful growing conditions and mineral-rich soil. Think of Verdejo as a fuller-bodied and more aromatic Sauvignon Blanc. A lush and smooth character with perfectly balanced acidity means Rueda wines pair well with seafood, fresh salads and spicy food, but are also great on their own.