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
