The Verduzzo grape is a variety of white wine grape originating in Italy. Primarily cultivated in the regions of Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Veneto, this grape is esteemed for contributing towards some of the most notable Italian wines. In addition to its popularity in Italy, Verduzzo has found a growing market in other parts of the world, being appreciated by wine connoisseurs for its unique characteristics.
Verduzzo grapes are known for their adaptability, thriving in diverse climatic and soil conditions. The grape itself is small, characteristically thick-skinned and golden-hued when mature. These grapes tend to ripen late in the season, and their hardiness enables vintners to leave them into the early winter weeks for a late harvest, which results in appealingly sweet wines.
There are primarily two versions of wines produced from Verduzzo — the dry Friuli style, known as Verduzzo Friulano, and the sweet version, known as Ramandolo. The variety that leans sweet generally carries honeyed flavours, while the dry variant displays refreshing acidity, underpinned by notes of apple, pear, and almond.
As for the production process, many winemakers prefer traditional methods. The grapes are often dried out, concentrating the sugars and flavours, before undergoing a prolonged fermentation period. The resulting style of wine, termed ‘passito’, is sweet, dense and possesses a discernible potency, making it suitable for dessert pairings. However, modern methods of winemaking are also employed, where grapes are harvested earlier, hence producing lighter, dry wines.
Overall, Verduzzo grapes contribute to a range of wine styles that are as versatile as they are mouth-wateringly delightful. As the grape continues to be explored by winemakers, it seems certain that its popularity will only grow among wine enthusiasts around the globe. Be it consumed fresh, or savoured as a matured bottle, wines from the Verduzzo grape offer a truly splendid experience.
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