Verdelho
Red wine grape variety
Also known as Verdelho de Madeira, Madeira Verdelho, Verdelho dos Açores
Verdelho is a red wine grape with signature aromas of lemon peel, orange zest, toasted almond. Structure: Medium body, High acidity, Low tannin, Medium alcohol. Often confused with Semillon and Verdejo.
Recognition cues
First checks
- Check for high acidity with citrus-nut profile in oxidative or fortified context.
- Look for saline and dried-herb notes before assigning Sercial (#11497).
Confidence signals
- Citrus-nut oxidative profile
- High acidity balancing richer palate
Aromas
Signature
Common
Occasional
Commonly confused with
Classic anchors
- Classic regions: Madeira · Azores · Hunter Valley
- Classic styles: Medium-dry Madeira oxidative base grape · Bright tropical-citrus dry white in non-fortified style
Common questions
Is Verdelho a red or white grape variety?
Verdelho is a red wine grape variety.
What does Verdelho smell and taste like?
Signature aromas of Verdelho include lemon peel, orange zest and toasted almond. Structural profile: Medium body, High acidity, Low tannin, Medium alcohol.
What blind-tasting cues distinguish Verdelho?
Documented tells for Verdelho: Check for high acidity with citrus-nut profile in oxidative or fortified context. and Look for saline and dried-herb notes before assigning Sercial (#11497)..
What is Verdelho most often confused with in blind tasting?
Verdelho is most commonly confused with Semillon, Verdejo and Savagnin. Resolve the call with structure and signature aromas.
Where is Verdelho grown?
Classic regions for Verdelho include Madeira, Azores and Hunter Valley.