Verdejo not Verdelho. If we can get around the apparent confusion with its Iberian relative, we're drinking Australia's first release Verdejo, the signature white variety favoured in north-west Spain's Rueda (DO) district. The variety is rarely harvested outside this region and is done at night to capture optimal freshness. The historic Trentham Estate on the Murray-Darling near Mildura, who have been pioneering alternative varieties for over a decade, has debuted this vintage onto the Australian wine landscape to great acclaim. A plethora of awards has followed this release including the Best Spanish White Wine and the Best Murray Darling Wine at the 2013 Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show.  |
| Verdejo Grapes |
The variety's origins are fascinating. Briefly, it was introduced into southern Spain in the 11th Century from North Africa during the Moorish occupation and then spread northward through the migrating Mozarabs to Rueda. Production was interrupted by the phylloxera devastation in the late 19th Century, the trauma of the Spanish Civil War and the decades of stagnation under the Franco regime. Traditionally made as an oxidised sherry like wine, Verdejo's luck turned during the 1970s when Rueda winemakers used the variety to produce fresh, zesty white wines made available at reasonable prices.
The 2013 Trentham Estate Verdejo is pale yellow in colour. It is not an aromatically challenged wine. There is lifted apple, peach and green apricot aromas with slightly florally, grassy notes. Very fresh and attractive on the nose. Golden apples, lime and mineral mid-palate with a kiwi fruit salad back end. Some of the characteristics of its Iberian relative spring to mind. Good acidity, fine sour tannins and balanced richness. Supple and soft-bodied. Delicious drinking.
Verdejo is an underrated variety that could thrive in our warmer regions, let's watch this space. If it is anything like this release from Trentham Estate, with its food-friendly appeal and value-driven price, there won't be any confusion. Liked this wine, it's a great find.
Source: Winery Sample. Alcohol: 12.0%. Closure: Screwcap. Price: $16.00. Rating: 90+ Points.
