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.
