The Verdelho Grape

Verdelho is one of Madeira's noble grape varieties.

It is an early ripening white wine grape variety that thrives best on the cooler slopes on the north side of the island.

The name Verdelho on a bottle indicates an off dry to medium-dry style of Madeira wine, between Sercial and Bual.

Verdelho also grows in the Douro valley in Portugal, where it is used in white Port.

In Australia it is successfully cultivated, particular in the Mclaren Vale.

The name should not be confused with the Verdejo white grape from Rueda in Spain.