Author: Dirk Chan
This week’s feature is the 2019 Flor de Vetus Verdejo – $17.99 (regularly $22.49). It is a white wine from the Rueda located in Villabuena del Puente (Zamora) about an hours drive SW of Valladolid. Flor de Vetus is made of 100% Verdejo. Verdejo (“Vurr-day-ho”) is an uncommon, light-bodied white wine that grows almost exclusively in Spain. The wine is an outstanding alternative to wines like Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio, with surprising changes in flavors coming with age – turns almondy with some bitter flavors of grass and fennel. While that is interesting, this writer prefers Verdejo young, where the stunning flavors of lime, Meyer lemon, grapefruit, grass, fennel, and citrus blossom makes for a lovely summertime drink, there is a nice chalky touch on the finish with an exotic seductiveness in the background. It’s often likened to Sauvignon Blanc but really, it deserves its own category.
The grapes come from old vines located in the westernmost part of Rueda in Segovia, at an altitude of about 900 metres. The vineyards are planted on hillsides with fine sun exposure that affords the wine fruitiness with fine acidity to pair with Sushi, spiced fish stews, white meats or grilled seafood.
Vetus comes from the Latin word veto – vetare, which means ‘forbidden, not allowed’. Harvesting takes place three weeks later than in the rest of the DO. Total production of 35,800 bottles.
2019 Bodegas Vetus Flor de Vetus Verdejo (Rueda, Spain) – $17.99 (regularly $22.49)