Verdelho

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Verdelho is a white grape grown throughout Portugal, though most associated with the island of Madeira, and also gives its name to one of the four main types of Madeira wine.

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. However, since 1993 any Madeira wine labelled as Verdelho must contain at least 85 percent of the grape, which wasn't previously the case.

The variety of Madeira wine known as Verdelho lies between those of Sercial and Bual in style, being richer 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 flavour than the other Madeiras.

The grape is also grown in the Douro valley, where it is known as Gouveio and used in white port. On the rare occasions that it is grown in Spain, it is also called Godello and Verdello. The grape is also grown in Argentina, with at least one producer marketing a varietal called simply Verdelho. www.doncristobal.com.ar.

The grape has also been highly successful in the vineyards of Australia, particularly the Hunter Valley region, Langhorne Creek and the Swan Valley. Unlike the wines of Madeira, Australian Verdelhos are dry white wines which are fresh and aromatic, and quite suitable for lunchtime or summer drinking.

This grape should not be confused with Verdelho Tinto, a red grape also grown in Madeira.