WTN: Another rare grape, Verdil

[Jenise]

2020 Bodegas Antonio Arráez Valencia Los Arraez Verdil
A big-bodied, big attitude, main course kind of white wine from an ancient, nearly extinct grape called verdil, produced by only three wineries on the planet, all near Valencia. Big perfumed nose that follows through to the palate with flavors of parmesan, preserved lemon, clams, saffron and hay. Not a refreshing, palate-cleanser style wine but something to save for big moments like paella or smoked seafood stews. We tried with various cold items from the fridge, and aged gouda was the runaway hit. Btw, alcohol only 12.5%.

HeyHeyHey, Jenise....I'm the only one who's allowed to taste obscure grapes like this!!!
Tom

[Jenise]

Not trying to steal your thunder! But this is truly about as offbeat as it gets.

Not trying to steal your thunder! But this is truly about as offbeat as it gets.

Hmmmm, Jenise... who was the importer?
Tom

[Jenise]

This is a surprise. Someone I've never heard of, but they're in my town! Daqopa Brands, Bellingham, Washington.

[Jenise]

So I just googled him, a one-man operation. And in fact, I do know him or at least I met him once over the phone. Not a wine geek but more of a hustler type, imports lower-priced wine mostly from Spain, sells most in flash sales.

So I just googled him, a one-man operation. And in fact, I do know him or at least I met him once over the phone. Not a wine geek but more of a hustler type, imports lower-priced wine mostly from Spain, sells most in flash sales.

Awwww, Jenise....sounds like you are easily hustled.
Tom

[Jenise]

Yes and no! He apparently sold his entire lot (50 6 bottle cases) to a retailer in Anacortes who I like. Fairly expensive packaging that indicates it was intended to sell for a lot more than the $15/bottle I paid. And it drinks well above that price.

That would make a nice starter wind at a blind tasting....just saying.

PS - grape info here https://www.wine-searcher.com/grape-811-verdil

[Jenise]

Bill, thanks for the extra info. Nice to read the pro description that matched my tasting notes pretty well--I had no idea what to expect, the retailer's short pitch was mostly about the rarity and only included the descriptor "refreshing" which is not a word I'd use for it at all. Would be killer with some cold smoked salmon.