Verdejo

Verdejo is a variety of wine grape that has long been grown in the Rueda region of Spain.

In the mid-20th century, Verdejo almost became extinct, had it not been for the local winegrower Ángel Rodríguez Vidal (Bodega Martinsancho), who opted for this variety and contributed to re-establishing its prominence in the region.

In recognition of his work, he was honoured with the Cross of the Order of Agricultural Merit by King Juan Carlos I of Spain.

[2] In the 1970s, the winemaking company Marqués de Riscal began to develop a fresher style of white wine based on Verdejo with the help of French oenologist Émile Peynaud.

Wines labeled Rueda must contain 50% Verdejo; the remainder is typically Sauvignon blanc or Macabeo.