Wednesday, October 11, 2017

Bodegas Shaya Arindo Verdejo (2013) Wine Review




It was in August that my husband treated me to a birthday dinner at VB Lounge, a place in Chandler, AZ, I had been wanting to check out.  As per usual, I had perused the menu prior to our arrival, and my taste buds were set.  The server handed me the wine list, I ordered, only to have her come back and say that they were out of what I’d requested – gasp! She then suggested a Verdejo, pronounced Vare – DAY – oh, which wasn’t on the wine list, but she highly recommended. It turned out to be a wonderful suggestion, and I was reminded of a varietal that I enjoy and don’t often purchase because there isn’t usually a broad selection and you have to ask or search it out at the wine shop.
My next trip, I was sure to bring home a Verdejo - this week’s Wine Wednesday feature, the 2013 Shaya Arindo.  The grapes for this wine are sourced from a vineyard in Segovia in the Rueda region of Spain where the primary varietal is Verdejo. Wine labeled as Rueda Verdejo must be at least 85% Verdejo. This wine is 100% Verdejo.
The wine exhibited a beautiful golden color. On the nose, tropical fruit, honey and a noticeable minerality. The wine though fermented in stainless, still possessed a creamy, silky mouthfeel that I found surprising while still providing a familiar well-balanced acidic finish.  I liked the body of this dry white wine, making it more versatile for pairing.
We enjoyed this with steamed mussels and I used the wine in the mussels as well. Try also with Prosciutto Pasta Roulade.  Click the links below to print or save the recipe pairing suggestions.