Wine Review: Marqués de Cáceres Verdejo de Rueda
It’s Herbaceous!
Are you a fan of Spanish wines? Or week-old Jolly Ranchers? Then get ready to dive into an “herbaceous” blend of vague fruits with this super refreshing Verdejo de Rueda from one of Spain’s biggest wineries, Marqués de Cáceres!
Wine Facts:
- Winery: Marqués de Cáceres
- Style/Varietal: Verdejo de Rueda (White Wine)
- Vintage: 2017
- Region: Rueda, Spain
- 13.5% alc/vol
- Price: $7.99 at Trader Joe’s Wine Shop (average retail: $9.99)
Label Notes:
Intense bouquet, vibrant fruit and good length.
Tasting Notes:
Nose (aka “The Sniff”):
A fresh, tropical wicker basket. Like the kind of decorative fruit basket you’d buy at Pottery Barn but all the fruit is gone so you’re just left to wonder which fruits you’re actually smelling.
Pros:
- Fresh and crisp!
- A little tingly on the front of the tongue, then smooth and easy-going on the back end.
- So fresh and crisp I’m not even sure what I just tasted! Let’s call that “Herbaceous!”
- Maybe that flavor is a bit of lemongrass, or maybe I have no idea what lemongrass actually tastes like!
- It’s legitimately “vibrant,” but…
Cons:
- I wouldn’t say it’s vibrant with “fruit flavors” (they’re muted at best).
- On the other hand: Is vague fruit really that bad? It’s like the Blue Raspberry of wines: You know there’s some kind of fruit flavor in there, but God only knows what fruit it’s supposed to be.
- I’m not complaining, but I am pointedly noting that there are some things I wish were different.
Overall Score: A solid 3 out of 5
This Verdejo is a rock solid — if slightly underwhelming — summer wine. The kind of “yeah that’ll do” white wine that is perfectly refreshing on a hot summer day.
Plus you’ll get bonus points for picking an exotic sounding grape (Verdejo) from an exotic sounding region (Rueda). Educate and/or annoy your friends by explaining that “Rueda” is an up-and-coming wine region in Spain!
Recommended Alternatives:
- Luzada Albariño
- Bodega Piedra Negra Pinot Gris Rosado (but it’s pricier)
Verdejo de Ru-what?
Want to learn more about your new favorite up-and-coming wine region? Tune into episode 10 of the Chris Tries to Review Wine Podcast, where musician Troy Brainard (aka Blue Sirens) joined me to taste some Verdejo and learn more about Rueda!
