Get social with World Wine Days!

Verdejo is a white grape variety most commonly grown since the 11th century in Rueda, Spain.

Is this the new Hallmark moment? Millions of adoring wine fans come together on Instagram to celebrate international wine days with smiles and sips. Wine lovers post bottle shots and precise hashtags creating one big global wine hug. It’s democratized and barrier free.  

World Verdejo Day is June 9th and this Spanish grape can’t wait to be celebrated. Verdejo is a white grape variety most commonly grown since the 11th century in Rueda, Spain. It has survived extinction and successfully revived with careful vineyard and harvesting techniques. Verdejo is often blended with other white grapes like Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris to add structure and richness to this light bodied variety. The aroma and flavour profile includes citrus notes like lime and grapefruit, green melon, white peach and hints of fennel, anise and fresh herbs. The bottles are usually high shouldered and while some styles are oaked, most commonly Verdejo is unoaked, youthful and fresh. To participate, use hashtag #worldverdejoday and post your bottle on Instagram.

Here are some top Verdejo to try:

MENADE 2021 Verdejo, Rueda 750 ml

Blending tradition and technology, Menade focuses on biodiversity tending vineyards with thoughtful natural preparations and care. This organic Verdejo ferments naturally and is filled with wild aromas and flavours that capture the minerality and herbal nature of the vineyard. It has a rich, mouth-filling texture with flavours that persist like grapefruit, lemon and orange with terrific acidity to the end. At $21.99 a bottle at BC Liquor Stores, you will be happy you met.

Pure-Est 2020 Verdejo, Valencia 750ml

Here is a producer from Valencia producing an organic style from vineyards that sit at 700 meters above sea level overlooking the mediterranean. Aromas and flavours of citrus and herbs continue to echo varietal character. This style is crisp and fresh and ready for ceviche or a patio. At $27 a bottle at Marquis Wine Cellars, this is a worthy enticement.

Terravista Vineyards, Fandango 2022, Naramata Bench, Penticton, BC

BC’s Terravista Vineyards on the Naramata Bench is the only winery in Canada to make a blend of white wine using Verdejo and Albariño. Grown on “the bench” these grapes provide memorable freshness and pretty aromatics to the award-winning style called Fandango. The 2022 vintage is available at $31 a bottle while supplies last. 

Barb Wild

Barb Wild is the Good Wine Gal, and her goal is to help people discover what they like—without snobbery. Follow Good Wine Gal’s life of wine study, wine tastings and wine travel at goodwinegal.ca.