Verdelho

Makes medium-dry Madeira and fine dry whites in the Azores. Not the same grape as the Douro’s Gouveio, which is sometimes confusingly called Verdelho.

In the glassSmoky, citrus, dried fruit; medium-dry when fortified.

Wines made with Verdelho

Madeira

Fortified

Vinho da Madeira

Fortified wine from the island of Madeira, aged with heat and air until it becomes almost indestructible. Cheaper wines are warmed in tanks (estufagem); the best age slowly in casks in warm lofts (canteiro). An opened bottle keeps for months, and century-old vintages are still lively.

Critics: up to 97 pts

Pico White

White

Pico DOC

Taut, salty, mineral whites from vines growing in volcanic black lava-stone enclosures by the sea. Pico also has a historic fortified style, once exported as far as the Russian imperial court.

Producers to try

Blandy’s

Est. 1811

Funchal · Madeira

The Blandy family has made Madeira for more than two centuries. Its Funchal lodge is one of the island’s main visitor attractions.

Barbeito

Est. 1946

Câmara de Lobos · Madeira

A small, innovative house known for precise, very fresh Madeiras made without added caramel colouring.

Henriques & Henriques

Est. 1850

Câmara de Lobos · Madeira

One of the island’s great old houses, with deep stocks of aged and vintage Madeira.

Azores Wine Company

Est. 2014

Pico · Açores

Founded by winemaker António Maçanita and partners to revive Pico’s abandoned currais. Its saline whites put the Azores on the international wine map.

Cooperativa Vitivinícola da Ilha do Pico

Madalena, Pico · Açores

The island cooperative behind brands such as Frei Gigante and Terras de Lava, made from growers’ vines in the lava fields.