Verdejo

Verdejo is an aromatic white grape most closely associated with Rueda in Castilla y León, where it produces some of Spain’s freshest and most characterful white wines. The vine shows moderate vigor, with small to medium-sized berries and compact clusters that thrive in the region’s high-altitude, continental climate. Verdejo performs best in well-drained gravelly, sandy, or limestone-rich soils and benefits from Rueda’s intense sunlight, dry conditions, and pronounced diurnal swings, which help preserve acidity while developing concentration and aromatic complexity. Its naturally thick skins contribute to good disease resistance and allow for late or nighttime harvesting to maintain freshness.

Verdejo wines are typically bright, lively, and textural, with medium to high acidity and distinctive aromas of citrus, green apple, fennel, white flowers, and subtle herbal or nutty undertones. Styles range from crisp, stainless-steel-fermented bottlings meant for youthful drinking to more structured, lees-aged or barrel-influenced versions that show greater depth and longevity. Its combination of freshness, aromatics, and regional identity has made Verdejo one of Spain’s most important and widely appreciated white varieties.