Verdelho 2009

This is the white grape variety native to Portugal and most closely associated with the island of Madeira. It was brought to Australia in convict days and planted here at Fordwich in Soldier Settlement times and Australians have pioneered it’s emergence as full-bodied table wine. Wonderful 60 year old vines can be seen just down Milbrodale Road at John Tulloch’s Sentry Rock Vineyard.

Here at Catherine Vale we have 880 vines grafted over from Semillon in 2002. The wine is medium dry and aromatic or perfumy in character and the luscious fruit makes it very suitable with Asian dishes and spicy foods of all kinds.

Wine writer John Lewis comments on the Catherine Vale 2009 Verdelho after rating this verdhelo with 4 glasses.

“Just the thing to enjoy with a chicken Caesar salad, this Upper Hunter verdelho is excellent value. It shines olive green-light gold in the glass and has pineapple scents. Crisp citrus flavour shows on the front of the palate and passionfruit and subtle honey and toast elements join in on the middle palate. Flinty acid features at the finish."