Lirum Verdejo 2016

Joelle Thomson
Wine Writer

“And here’s another wine that confirms the rein of Spain in our wine glasses, only this time it’s a fresh, crisp, full bodied, dry white made from Verdejo – Spain’s answer to Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay combined. 
Verdejo is Spain’s great white grape that was under appreciated until the 1970s when it was given a new lease of life by winemakers who recognised its high quality potential and began making fresh zingy white wines, such as this stellar bargain buy.” – 4/5 Stars, Joelle Thomson, Wine Writer
Have you heard of Verdejo?
Not so well known in New Zealand, but we think it’s an interesting varietal to try – especially for any Sauv lovers out there. Verdejo is one of Spain’s most widely planted white grapes, this one comes from Rueda on the Duero river just northwest of Madrid. It’s pale yellow in colour, with notes of fresh grass and fennel on the palate. There’s also an interesting flavour of peach which weaves its way through the glass. Try it with smoked salmon, or roasted red peppers for a flavour explosion! – Wine Central Tasting Panel

Verdejo, named after the green ‘verde’ colour of its grapes (and unrelated to Portuguese Verdelho) is a highly regarded Spanish white grape that is thought to have originated in North Africa and spread to Rueda in about the 11th Century by the Mozarabs before Moorish rule. its total plantings increased threefold between 2004 and 2011 with over 18 000ha it is Spain’s 4th most planted white variety but there are virtually no plantings outside Spain. Once more famous for its fortified styles it has, since the Marques de Riscal saw its potential for dry white wines in the 1970s become something of a rising star. The Rueda region has 11 000ha of Verdejo that straddles the main road from Madrid to León where the ground is rocky and full of gravel from the alluvium left by the River Duero as it passes through the area.