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Vibrant Verdejo

21/4/2014

 
Picture£10 Perfect Friday Wine 13% abv
Social media rocks.  I met Perfect Friday Wine through the twittersphere, and, discovering our non-virtual presences were only a couple of miles apart, we've developed a friendship through wine.  
Jo, who runs Perfect Friday Wine, has recently expanded her predominantly French stock list to include some Spanish wines and I had the pleasure to open a bottle of her new Bodega Comenge Verdejo from the Rueda region of Spain, last night.  (£10, delivered locally or from Maidenhead market on the first Saturday of the month).
Verdejo, for the uninitiated, is a white wine grape most associated with Rueda, where it is thought to have originated.  Others believe it originated in North Africa and was originally planted in north-western Spain by the Moors as far back as the 11th century. 
I had long assumed it was the same grape as the Portuguese Verdelho, often used to make Madiera, since there was a long tradition of oxidised (sherry like) styles of Verdejo, but these are not the same grape variety, and the modern styles of Verdejo are extremely fresh and fruity.  Excellent examples can also develop a nutty quality as they age.

If you're a fan of Sauvignon Blanc, you should allow yourself to be tempted by this aromatic variety.  There's the same high acidity and aromatic core of lemon zestiness, but none of the grassy, green tones that can make one tire of the UK's current favourite white.  If you're already a fan of fashionable Spanish varietal Albariño, this grape can present some of the same minerality and zing, but usually at a fraction of the cost.  It's delicious on it's own, or pairs well with goats cheese, Asian or spicy cuisine, and white or shell-fish.  It might even stand up to something like a pesto pasta.

Our Bodega Comenge bottle was even more appealing than I'd expected.  There's a good dose of lime flavour, enough to satisfy a Riesling fan, and bags of peachy, nectarine notes. I particularly enjoyed the silky smooth body which comes from this grape variety's high glycerol content. It's a great summer evening wine and I shall definitely be drinking it again.  
 
For readers who don't live close enough to Jo's delivery zone, you'll find examples in most of the major supermarkets and even as the inflight white wine on BA.  Beware, there are some inferior examples out there, and many are blended with cheaper grapes.  To experience this grape at it's best, look for a 100% Verdejo from Rueda.  The back label should clearly state Rueda Verdejo to guarantee at least 85% of the grape in any blend.

Do you enjoy Verdejo?  Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.  Recommend a good one for your fellow readers, or, post a pic on our Facebook page.

Cheers!


Comments are closed.

    Purple Teeth

    My name's Heather and I've been enjoying wine for over 20 years. I'm the 2013 winner of the Wine and Spirit Education Trust Rhone prize for oustanding students at the advanced level.
    My mission is to share my passion for the myriad varieties of fermented grape juice, hopefully inspiring you to try something new, or to host  a Purple Teeth wine party in your own home or business.

    My blog mainly features wines you should be able to find on your local high street or online, and occasionally, I will review restaurants, travel and other forms of alcohol, since my qualification covers spirits too.  I believe it's important to enjoy the calories and the cash we spend on alcohol, and I hope my guidance can help you reduce the risk of making a bad buy.
      
    When I'm not drinking wine, you'll find me on the dance floor where West Coast Swing is my dance of choice. Socialising with the friends I've made there from all over the world has also brought me new adventures in alcohol!  And just in case you're interested, I also write a blog called Confidence Within.  You'll find it at heatherharrison.weebly.com


    Remember to enjoy wine sensibly...
    For a woman, 2-3 units per day is the recommended maximum allowance.  This equates to around one standard "pub measure" glass of wine:
    175ml of 13% alcohol wine is 2.3 units (and a scary 140 calories).  
    You'll find all the facts you need about safe, moderate drinking at the www.Drinkaware.co.uk site. 
    Purple Teeth supports safe drinking. Never drive or operate machinery after drinking alcohol.

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