Verdelho Grape Variety

Madeira

The grape has traditionally been one of the most popular grapes planted on the small island of Madeira since vines were first planted there in the 15th century. It was however badly affected by the Phylloxera plague and the number of vines has decreased greatly in the century since then. Since 1993 any Madeira wine labeled as Verdelho must contain at least 85 percent of the grape, which wasn't previously the case. [2]

The variety of Madeira wine known as Verdelho lies between those of Sercial and Bual in style, being drier than Bual but not as dry as Sercial. The variety is known for its high acidity when aged, but if drunk young generally possesses more fruit flavor than the other Madeiras. Some producers are experimenting with making a table-style wine by allowing the grapes to ripen more prior to harvesting and blending with the grape Arnsburger to balance Verdelho's naturally high acidity.[3]

Other regions

The grape is also grown in the Douro valley, where it is confused with the Gouveio. It is also a small component of some Vinho do Dão.[1] Portuguese Verdelho is noted for its higher sugar content in the grapes then what is typically achieved in the warmer climate of Madeira.In smaller quantities, it is grown in the Galicia region of Spain where it is called Verdello.[3] The grape can also be found in Argentina, with at least one producer marketing a varietal called simply Verdelho. [4]

The grape has been successful in the vineyards of Australia, particularly the Hunter Valley region, Langhorne Creek and the Swan Valley. Australian versions of Verdelho are noted for their intense flavors with hints of lime and honeysuckle and the oily texture that the wines can get after some aging.[3]

Viticulture

Verdelho is a moderately vigorous vine that produces small bunches of small oval berries with a high skin to juice ratio. The skins of the berry can be thick and taste "hard" when eaten. The grapes ripen early but can be prone to powdery mildew. The vines can also be susceptible to frost during the spring.[1]

Other grapes

Verdelho is often confused with Verdelho Tinto, a red grape also grown in Madeira. The grapes are related but still different, similar to how Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris are related (as crosses which exhibit new characteristics and become a new varietal and the originating grapes trackable in DNA as the "parents.") Verdelho is also confused with the similarly named Verdelho Feijão and the Gouveio of Portugal, the Italian grape Verdello and the Verdejo white grape grown in Spain.[1]

References