Verdejo
Definition - What does Verdejo mean?
Verdejo is a white wine grape variety. Verdejo originated in North Africa and was brought to the Spanish wine growing region of Rueda in the 11th Century. The grape is susceptible to oxidation which affects how the grape is harvested and what types of wine styles can be produced from the variety. The verdejo grape is quite versatile and is used to make refreshing white wines as well as more concentrated sherry-like wines.
WineFrog explains Verdejo
The Verdejo grape variety oxidizes quickly after harvest and was traditionally used to make an oxidized, concentrated sherry-type wine. Over time different harvesting practices and wine making techniques allowed vintners to make different styles of wine from the variety. Verdejo grapes are harvested at night, as the cooler temperatures prevent the light juice of the grape from oxidizing. As a result, the 20 to 30 degree difference in the harvest temperature keeps the grapes from oxidizing as quickly as it normally would and gives modern Vedejo wines a clear, pale yellow color instead of the lightly rusted color of oxidized Verdejo.
Wines made with Verdejo have very aromatic aromas with flavors of concentrated fruit, they are full bodied and have very soft well-rounded flavors.
