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 New York City-based writer who spends her days on Madison Avenue and her evenings in Spain, France, Italy, South America, and beyond. She originally hails from Maine and graduated from Bowdoin College, spending time abroad at the University of Cambridge in the UK. Lauren passed The Court of Master Sommeliers’ Level I exam in August and will sit for her Certified Sommelier Exam in early 2010.
About The Humble Gourmand
The Humble Gourmand is published the first Friday of each month, edited by Alison L. McConnell, a Washington, D.C.-based journalist and writer. It is designed to offer straightforward lessons and advice to aspiring cooks, oenophiles, and all other eaters and drinkers.
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