Verdejo
Spain’s top white
And yet, the country has few top white wines to offer. The northern Spanish region of Ruede produces one of the few exceptions. There, the highly aromatic Verdejo grape makes it home. According to lore, it was introduced in the 11th century by Mozarabs. These were the Christian inhabitants of southern Spain who, during Moorish rule, migrated to the free North. The potential of the Verdejo grape was only recognized in the 1970s. Before, it was mainly processed into intensified sweet wines – a shame as, in its dry version, it yields truly top wines. They are stout and full-bodied, with hefty acidity and expressive fruit and herbal notes. They often end on a hint of almond or nut.
