Palacio de Bornos 2007 Verdejo
The Nitty Gritty:
- Vintage: 2007
- Varietal: Verdejo
- Winery: Palacio de Bornos
- Region: Rueda
- Country: Spain
- Price: About $10
- Rating: 87/100
- Tags: best value White
Verdejo is a lesser-known grape varietal from the Rueda region of Spain (in the northwest of the country). Rueda produces mostly white grapes, but a fair amount of Temperanillo as well. Many verdejos are more full-bodied and, I dare say, even on the sweetish side, (a reason why I’ve typically avoided them in the past).
The Verdejo grape oxidizes quickly — which is why it’s often harvested at night — and many Verdejo producers prefer to preserve its softer characteristics. I suspect the Bornos Verdejo allowed to oxidize a bit because the flavors are almost reminiscent of Sherry, but not quite: more crisp, and even close to a Sauvignon Blanc — I got lots of grass, apple and citrus, and, yes, apricots (my Calvert-Woodley helper wasn’t lying), with a smooth, honeyed finish.
This wine could be pretty versatile. Enjoy it with cheese and other appetizers, but see what it can do with a big summer meal as well.
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By Lauren McNally
Lauren B. McNally is a communications consultant in Washington, D.C., who spends most of her free time exploring culinary and oenological pursuits with friends. She hails from Maine and graduated from Bowdoin College, completing additional study at the University of Cambridge in the U.K.(where she found the dining hall cuisine rather offensive and repulsive, as opposed to that of the top-ranked Bowdoin Dining Service). Her palate is ever-evolving but she includes California Zinfandels, Cotes du Rhone, and white wines from Burgundy and the Loire Valley among her current favorites. Her least favorite wine-related phrase: “I don’t like _.” Lauren also enjoys cooking Italian and French cuisine, and has an unnatural obsession with Gorgonzola and pancetta.
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