Verdelho

**Verdelho** is a white grape of Portuguese origin, historically important on the island of Madeira, where it lends its name to one of the classic styles of fortified Madeira wine. It has also found a successful second home as a dry table wine, especially in Australia. **In the glass** — as a dry wine it is fresh and flavourful, with lime, tropical fruit and a touch of herbs, backed by firm acidity; in fortified Madeira form it is medium-dry, with smoky, nutty, dried-fruit complexity from long cask ageing. **Where it grows** — native to Portugal and grown on Madeira and the mainland, with notable dry-wine plantings in Australia (the Hunter Valley and beyond). The style shifts sharply from crisp modern white to the age-worthy island fortified wine. **At the table** — dry Verdelho suits grilled fish and spicy Asian dishes; medium-dry Madeira is lovely with soups or mild cheese. **Cellaring** — dry versions are best young, while fortified Madeira is famously long-lived.

Wines

• Aristargos — David & Nadia
• Disco Juice — Dear Vincent
• Fat Baron Reserva White — Casa Ermelinda Freitas
• Free Run Verdelho — Thomas Allen
• Kalmoesfontein White Blend — A.A. Badenhorst Family Wines
• Mistura — Thomas Allen
• Tejo Branco — Quinta da Badula
• Verdelho Estate — Las Positas Vineyards
• Vinho Rosé — Vinha dos Fenais