d’Oliveira Madeira Verdelho 1994 750ml

The 1994 Verdelho, bottled in 2018, is worth seeking out. The well-defined nose features sandalwood, stem ginger and freshly baked flapjacks still warm from the oven. The palate is clean and fresh, a little tight at first but opening nicely with ginger and molasses toward the focused finish. This is a well-crafted and poised Verdelho that expresses the grape variety very competently. Excellent.

• Country: Portugal
• Region: Madeira
• Size: 750ml
• Color: White

Varietal

Verdelho

Verdelho is a white grape variety best known for its role in Madeira wine, where it produces a medium-dry, aromatic fortified wine. Originally from Portugal, Verdelho was historically planted on the mainland but found its greatest success on the island of Madeira, where it thrives in the island’s volcanic soils and coastal climate.

What makes Verdelho unique is its balance of acidity and richness, making it versatile for both fortified and dry wines. In Madeira, it falls between Sercial (the driest) and Bual (medium-sweet), offering flavors of dried fruit, citrus zest, nuts, and caramel, with bright acidity that ensures long aging potential. In dry white wines, particularly from Australia and Portugal, Verdelho expresses tropical fruit, citrus, and floral notes, with a zesty, refreshing finish.

Verdelho’s natural acidity makes it an excellent food wine, pairing well with seafood, poultry, and creamy dishes, offering a vibrant alternative to more common white varieties.