VERDELHO WINE

Verdelho is a white wine grape that originated from the Portuguese Island of Madeira, located off the coast of Morocco. Here, Verdelho is used to make Madeira, a fortified wine with various styles from very dry to very sweet.

However, the grape is also used to produce still white wines in various countries, including Portugal’s Douro Valley, Australia, and to a lesser extent, the United States.

Madeira Verdelho is medium-dry and delivers richness with a smoky and nutty character due to the unique winemaking process involving heating and ageing.

Verdelho wines, like those found in Australia, are fresh, aromatic, and food-friendly. They are known for their vibrant acidity and tropical fruit flavours such as pineapple, melon and passionfruit. Some may have herbal or floral notes. Australian Verdelho, especially from regions such as Hunter Valley, Margaret River and McLaren Vale are often enjoyed young to appreciate the vibrant fruit flavours.

Verdelho is sometimes confused with Verdejo, a Spanish white grape. While these varieties share similar names and deliver aromatic, high-acidity white wines, they are different grape varieties.

Verdelho originates from Portugal, specifically the island of Madeira, where it is one of the main varieties used in the production of Madeira fortified wines. You’ll also find Verdelho grown in the Douro Valley and the Vinho Verde region.

Although native to Portugal, Verdelho has been quite successful in Australia. The grape journeyed to Australia in 1825, courtesy of the Australian Agricultural Company. It was first planted in Camden by William Macarthur, a prominent Australian viticulturist and winemaker. It has since proven its versatility, adapting well to the Australian climate, particularly in Hunter Valley, Margaret River and McLaren Vale. In these regions, Verdelho produces white wines that are typically fresh, aromatic and fruit-forward.

While not as common, you can find Verdelho grown in certain parts of California and Washington, where it is used to create crisp, aromatic white wines. Small plantings of the grape can be found in South Africa and Argentina, too.

Verdelho is most famously used in the production of Madeira, a fortified wine from Portugal. In this case, the grape contributes to a slightly off-dry style with notes of dried fruits, honey and spices.

The grape Verdelho is also used in Portuguese wine regions such as the Douro Valley and Vinho Verde to produce a white wine often described as rich, fruity and similar to Sauvignon Blanc. It is typically a medium to full-bodied wine with tropical fruit flavours and a fresh, zesty acidity.

In Australia, notably the Hunter Valley, Verdelho is also made into an aromatic white wine that showcases the crisp acidity and vibrant fruit flavours of the grape.

Verdelho wines are typically fresh and vibrant. They are known for their medium body, high acidity and fruity profile, with common tasting notes including:

• Pineapple
• Passion fruit
• Mango
• Banana
• Lemon
• Lime
• Green apple
• Peach or apricot
• Herbs
• Blossom
• Wet stone or flint

Everyone’s palate is different – you may detect other flavours as well. The best way to explore what Verdelho tastes like is to try it for yourself.

Verdelho’s high acidity and fruit-forward character make it a food-friendly wine, but its exceptional affinity with a broad range of seafood dishes is worth noting. This includes everything from grilled fish to prawns, scallops and even sushi, where the wine’s acidity and citrus notes harmonise with the fish.

Poultry and pork also pair well with Verdelho. Lighter meats such as chicken and pork complement Verdelho, especially when grilled or served with a fruity or citrusy glaze. The wine’s acidity helps to balance the meat’s richness, while its fruitiness can mirror any sweet or tangy glazes.

Another excellent pairing possibility is with spicy and Asian foods. The fruity character and refreshing acidity of Verdelho can balance the heat in spicy dishes and complement the complex flavours found in Thai, Indian or Vietnamese cuisine

Cheese is a classic companion for many wines, and Verdelho is no exception. Fresh, creamy cheeses such as goat cheese or feta work particularly well with Verdelho. The wine’s acidity cuts through the creaminess of the cheese, creating a balanced and satisfying pairing.

Verdelho can be an excellent choice for vegetarian dishes, too. Salads, especially those with fruity dressings or ingredients, match Verdelho’s fresh, fruit-forward character well. Similarly, dishes centred around green vegetables or herbs can complement the wine’s fruity and occasionally herbal notes.

At the end of the day, pairing food and wine comes down to personal preference, but luckily Verdelho’s versatility offers ample opportunity for experimentation.

To enjoy Verdelho’s fresh fruitiness, chill it before serving between 7°C-10°C. Serve it in a white wine glass, which has a smaller mouth. This will help concentrate the wine’s aromas and direct them towards your nose.

Verdelho is usually best enjoyed while it’s young, and the fruit flavours are vibrant. While there is no need to decant Verdelho, opening the wine a little before serving allows it to breathe and fully reveal its aromas and flavours.