Wednesday, September 21, 2005

Wine of the Week: 2004 Valdelainos Verdejo, Rueda, Spain

As Summer draws to a close this week--and who could have guessed with these 80+ temps--it seems the perfect time to blog about one of my favorite Spanish wines, Verdejo.

This grape is Spain's answer to Sauvignon Blanc. Crisp, clean and the perfect sipper for a warm evening on the patio and killer with fish. Native to the Rueda region in Northwest Spain, Verdejo reminds me of Sauvignon Blanc, with notes of melon, grass, fresh cut citrus, minerality, and a little nuttiness followed by zingy acidity.

The choice for the week, 2004 Valdelainos Verdejo, is a killer example of Verdejo and runs about $11 a bottle. The importer is Grapes of Spain, owned by the former Sommelier of Taberna del Alabdardero, known as one the best Spanish restaurants in the USA.

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