A Rueda, Spain Verdejo

A Rueda, Spain Verdejo:
Have you heard of this grape?...



OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.
Wine Reviewed
Bodegas Menade Verdejo 2010, 12.5% alcohol Rueda Denominacion de Origen about $8. (That’s the web price, I paid almost double.)

Let’s start by quoting the marketing materials. “Description: The history of wine is full of intriguing stories. One such is Verdejo. Over the centuries, it had become the signature white grape of Rueda. At one point during the Franco years (1936-1975), Rueda growers were forced to remove their Verdejo and replace it with more commercially viable Chardonnay. One grower refused. Angel Rodriguez's vines were, in some cases, over 200 years old, so, at the risk of his life, he said no. Because of his insubordination we have Verdejo in Rueda today. All other cuttings of the vine in Rueda, and the rest of the world, come from his holdings. This lively, floral, fresh and fruity version from Sitios de Bodega is a fine example. Enjoy with mildly spiced seafood dishes.” And now for my review.

At the first sips I felt this wine was semi-ethereal. I appreciated its light sweetness and its acidity. The initial meal featured barbecued chicken. This Spaniard presented refreshing acidity. It was somewhat floral and quite long. When paired with a medley of zucchini and Portabello mushrooms the libation was very long, providing a fine combo of acidity and sweetness. Fresh pineapple for dessert stepped up the drink’s acidity and took away the sweetness, leaving light caramel in its place.

This review of A Rueda, Spain Verdejo continues on my website.