Chicken and Dumplings to pair with Mourvedre


Jan 27
Posted by greatWineSource in Spain, Whites, Wine of the Day | Comments off

Verdejo is a native grape of Rueda in Northwest Spain and is debated to have originated in North Africa and spread to Rueda in the 11th century. This grape was relatively unknown for hundreds of years until it resurfaced and became more respected around 1970.
This white grape has historically been used to make a dry Sherry wine, but in the 1980s, this wine was given the DO classification (Designation of Origin). Therefore, wines classified as Rueda must contain at least 50% Verdejo, and wines classified as Rueda Verdejo must contain at least 85% Verdejo.
Verdejo produces a wine that is soft, aromatic and full-bodied, reminiscent of Sauvignon Blanc. You will enjoy a crispness to this wine with hints of nuts and honey. It is considered very high quality and one of the best white varieties in Spain.
This high quality and food friendly wine will pair well with grilled salmon, seared scallops, lemon chicken or a fresh summer salad.
Interesting little fact about this wine … it is generally harvested at night. This wine can oxidize easily and so harvesting at night means the grapes enter the cellar at a lower temperature and lower temperatures mean less oxidation or browning of the juice.
Tags: africa, aromatic, chicken, honey, nut, rueda, salmon, Sauvignon Blanc, scallops, sherry, spain, verdejo
2010-2012 Great Wine Source