The grape variety Verdejo

Verdejo is a distinguished white grape variety predominantly cultivated in Spain’s Rueda region, where it thrives in the continental climate and gravelly soils. Wines made from Verdejo are celebrated for their vibrant and expressive aromatic profile, featuring intense notes of citrus—particularly lime and grapefruit—alongside hints of peach, fennel, fresh-cut grass, and exotic tropical fruit. On the palate, Verdejo displays a harmonious balance between zesty acidity and a subtle, characteristic bitterness on the finish, often with a pleasingly full and slightly creamy texture.

While Rueda in Castilla y León remains the heartland of Verdejo production, smaller plantings are found in other Spanish regions exploring the variety’s potential. Verdejo is typically vinified as a crisp, youthful, unoaked wine to showcase its refreshing aromatics, though richer barrel-aged styles offering nutty and honeyed complexities are also produced.

Verdejo pairs exceptionally well with a variety of dishes. Classic matches include fresh seafood, grilled fish, and shellfish, as well as sushi and ceviche. Its herbal undertones complement green salads, asparagus, white meats, and soft cheeses. The wine’s lively freshness is equally suited to Mediterranean cuisine, providing a delightful partner to vibrant, herbaceous flavours.