Verdelho

Verdelho wine comes from Verdelho grapes, white wine grapes which are small, hard, gold-yellow and thick-skinned, as well as highly acidic. Verdelho vines were first cultivated in Portugal in the 1400’s, and have been planted mostly on the island of Madeira, which lends its name to 4 main types of Madeira wine. The grape is used to make either a dry table white wine or a sweet, fortified wine.

The table wine from Verdelho grapes is usually dry, tart and full-bodied. It’s more acidic when it is aged, but more fruity-flavored when drunk younger. The character of the wine varies according to when the grape is picked. When grapes are picked early, the character is more citrus-tinged and herbaceous; when grapes are picked later, the wine has more tropical fruit flavoring. To obtain a Verdelho table wine with a more balanced acidity and flavor, some producers allow grapes to ripen longer and then blend them with the Arnsburger grape.

Different wineries have different methods of production for the Verdelho wine. Some use barrel fermentation and oak aging, which adds creaminess and richness. Without being treated in oak, this wine doesn’t seem to age as well, taking on a coarse taste or oily texture. Wine experts recommend drinking Verdelho within two years of vintage, generally speaking, especially Australian varieties.

Verdelho wine is produced mostly from vineyards in Hunter Valley, Langhorne Creek, Swan Valley, and Western Australia, each with its own style of wine. Australian Verdelho wine is known for its intense flavors. Western Australia’s variety tends to be more fresh and fruity, with hints of honeysuckle and lime. Langhorne Creek wine is noted for tropical flavors like pineapple and guava, while Hunter Valley Verdelho has more spiciness.

Verdelho wine is wonderfully suitable for summer or for lunchtime meals. It pairs well with seafood, lighter meats such as veal, pork, or chicken and hard cheeses. The spicy varieties work well with roasted vegetables and pesto, while sweeter varieties go nicely with Asian style dishes.

See all of our Verdelho Wine Auctions here.