Verdelho

Verdelho — a white technical grape variety originating from Portugal and the island of Madeira, belonging to the western European eco-geographical group. The leaves of this variety are weakly lobed, bud-shaped, stiff, sometimes round and wavy with a finely pitted surface and partial pubescence. Verdelho clusters are small or medium-sized, conical and dense, with oval greenish-yellow berries that may take on a pinkish hue under direct sunlight. The berries have a tough, transparent skin and juicy flesh with a honey-like flavor, contain 2-3 seeds, and have a thick skin. The variety is distinguished by its early ripening period — from budbreak to technical ripeness takes about 140-145 days at a sum of active temperatures of 2800-2900°C. Verdelho grows best on steep slopes, particularly in the northern part of the Madeira island, and is also cultivated in the Douro Valley in Portugal, where it is known as "Gouveio" and used for producing white port. Additionally, the variety is grown in northwestern Spain and Australia. Its yield is moderate — around 130-150 centners per hectare, with medium-sized vines exhibiting good shoot maturation. Verdelho is resistant to some diseases but is sensitive to oidium and has low frost and pest resistance. For successful cultivation, the variety requires careful care and prefers lateritic chernozem-like soils. Due to its characteristics and the flavor qualities of its berries, Verdelho is widely used in the production of various wines, including fortified wines and sherry, making it a valuable variety for the wine industry.