Verdelho [vehr-DEH-lyoh]

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1. MADEIRA’S most widely planted white-wine grape, Verdelho is classified as a noble or classic grape. On the Portuguese mainland, Verdelho is recommended in the DÃO region’s white wines and in the production of white PORT. Some Portuguese locales call this VARIETY Gouveio. The Godello grown in northwest Spain is believed to be the same variety as Verdelho. 2. A medium-DRY style of Madeira wine, slightly richer than SERCIAL but less opulent than BOAL or MALMSEY. Originally made primarily with Verdelho grapes, this style of Madeira has recently utilized more TINTA NEGRA MOLE (which is considered only a good grape), especially in the cheaper versions. In 1986, however, Portugal entered the Common Market, whose regulations required that by 1993 any Madeira wine naming a variety on its label will have to contain at least 85 percent of that grape. Wines labeled “Verdelho-style” can contain less than the required 85 percent, and most likely contain more Tinta Negra Mole.