The Wine Reference🍷 SupportVerdejo grape
Verdejo is a white grape known for citrus, herbs, fennel. Its best-known homes are Rueda.
Origin and history
A long-established grape of Castilla y León, centred on Rueda, where it was traditionally made in an oxidative, sherry-like style.
Where it grows
Rueda in Castilla y León is its home, with smaller plantings in Toro, Cigales and elsewhere in Spain.
Structure
Medium body, fresh medium-plus acidity and dry, with a slightly bitter, almondy finish.
Aromas, young and aged
Young: lemon, lime, grapefruit, fennel, herbs and white flowers. With age: almond, hay and nuttier, waxy notes.
Ageing
Most drink within 1–3 years; oak-aged and old-vine Rueda can age 5–8 years.
Also known as
Verdeja (not the same as Portugal's Verdelho).
Good to know
The modern fresh style began in the 1970s, when Marqués de Riscal, advised by Émile Peynaud, started making white wine in Rueda; night harvesting is now common.
Wine regions for Verdejo
Verdejo wines to try
Real bottles from The Wine Library.
Similar white grapes
Explore all grapes in the interactive guide
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