Verdelho

Verdelho is a white wine grape varietal originally from the island of Madeira and is grown throughout Portugal, where they produce medium sweet styles. At the turn of the 20th century, it was the most widely planted white grape in Madeira. It is not found on any great scale outside of Portugal, with the exception of pockets in Australia, New Zealand, California and Argentina, where it has grown in popularity in recent years. It is generally light-bodied yet fruity with medium-high acidity and exhibits gooseberry, pineapple and honeydew melon flavours.

Verdelho buds and ripens early in the growing season, making it susceptible to early-season frost damage. Ripening early though does have the advantage of avoiding the mildew diseases that can affect it. It also means it can tolerate periods of drought, making it well-suited to hotter climates like Australia. It is a relatively thick-skinned grape and achieves a low to moderate yield.

Australia has classic examples of the varietal throughout the Hunter Valley, Cowra, Mudgee, Granite Belt, South Burnett and in New Zealand’s Hawkes Bay. Australian versions are noted for their intense flavours with hints of lime and honeysuckle and the oily texture that the wines can get after some ageing. Quality examples have the potential to cellar for up to 10 years.

Listed below are the wineries that produce Verdelho.

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