Gere Attila Verjus

Verjus (meaning ‘green juice’ in French) is a traditional, refreshingly sour non-alcoholic beverage and condiment that was popular for centuries and is currently making a comeback.

In the early summer, winemakers usually prune off some of the grape bunches on a vine to encourage the plant to focus only the remaining clusters of grapes and produce the best wine out of them. The green, sour grapes collected from this pruning, known as the ‘green harvest’, are then pressed into a deliciously refreshing, sharp, sour juice similar to lemon juice. With its high acidity and fresh, fruity grape flavor, it can be used both for cooking (in salads etc.) or in beverages, for example for lemonades, spritzers and more.

Commonly used for centuries, verjus had been all but forgotten until recent years, when forward-thinking winemakers started making it again as part of their drive to reduce their waste and use their raw materials to the fullest extent. The Gere family has been serving their verjus for years to visitors who come by car or don’t want to drink: a dash of verjus, a dash of elderflower cordial, and fresh, cold sparkling water make a delicious drink on hot summer days.