Grapevines Verdejo

Name of the variety

Verdejo

Origin

This variety is originally from Spain, probably from the Castile y León region. Based on genetic analyses carried out in Montpellier, Verdejo would result from the crossbreeding of Savagnin and Castellana blanca.

Synonyms

In France, this variety can officially be called "Verdejo blanco" regarding plant propagation material.

Legal information

In France, Verdejo is officially listed in the "Catalogue of vine varieties" since 2015 on the A list and classified.

Use

Wine grape variety.

Phenology

Bud burst: 5 days after Chasselas.
Grape maturity: early-season, 1 week and a half to 2 weeks after Chasselas.

Suitability for cultivation and agronomic production

• Verdejo has a semi-erect to erect bearing and grows well under dry climates.
• In very fertile circumstances, an excess of vigor may increase the risk of coulure.
• This variety is sensitive to the wind.
• As its bud burst is early, Verdejo is also susceptible to spring frosts.
• It is best to prune it moderately long, such as a Guyot training system.

Susceptibility to diseases and pests

• Verdejo is not very sensitive to downy mildew and grey rot.
• It is however more susceptible to powdery mildew and it is particularly susceptible to esca.
• This variety is also sensitive to mites and to grape moths.

Technological potentiality

• Verdejo’s bunches are medium in size and compact.
• The berries are also medium, simple-flavored, with a thick skin, a lot of bloom and a juicy pulp.
• They keep a good acidity during the maturation.
• Verdejo musts and wines are quite sensitive to oxidation.
• Varietal Verdejo aromas are pronounced : apple, pear, citrus fruits, bitter almond, aniseed and freshly cut grass.
• This variety produces aromatic, fresh, lively, full-bodied, balanced, round white wines that are suited to ageing.
• Verdejo produces great quality ageing wines. In case of under ripeness, wines can have a herbaceous flavor.

Clonal selection in France

The only certified Verdejo clone carries the number 101.

Bibliographic references

- Documentary collections of the Centre de Ressources Biologiques de la Vigne de Vassal-Montpellier, INRAE - Montpellier SupAgro, Marseillan, France.
- Dictionnaire encyclopédique des cépages et de leurs synonymes. P. Galet, 2015, Ed. Libre&Solidaire, France.
- Wine Grapes. J. Robinson et al, 2012, Ed. Penguin, England.
- Variedades de Vid en España, F. Cabello Sàenz de Santa María, 2011, Ed. Agricola Española, Spain.
- Registre Ampélographique International. 1961-1972, Ed. OIV, France.
- El vino uva a uva. C. Cidon and C. Gallego, 2006, Ed. Everest Publishing, Spain.

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