The Story of Tulloch Verdelho
An Iconic Drop with Over a Century of History
When you think of Hunter Valley Verdelho, there is a good chance you picture Tulloch's iconic green-capped bottle. Crisp, tropical, and endlessly drinkable, it is a wine that has stood the test of time. But where did it all begin?
The story of Tulloch Verdelho is a journey through time, from Portugal to Australia, from fortified wines to fresh, vibrant styles, and from tradition to innovation.
Where It All Began: Verdelho’s Portuguese Roots
Verdelho originates from Portugal’s Madeira and Azores Islands, where it was traditionally used to make fortified wines. These wines were rich, complex, and built to last. However, when Verdelho made its way to Australia in 1825, it found a new home in the warm and dry climate - perfect for producing fresher, fruitier expressions of the grape.
Verdelho Arrives in Australia (1825)
The story of Verdelho in Australia started when it was imported by the Australian Agricultural Company and first planted in Camden, New South Wales, by William Macarthur. Over the years, the grape spread across Australia, finding success in several regions. Today, the finest examples come from Western Australia and New South Wales, particularly the Hunter Valley.
These two regions produce Verdelho with pristine aromas and flavours, designed for early consumption, making it a perfect summer wine.
Verdelho grown in cooler climates or harvested earlier tends to have a leaner and finer structure, showcasing citrus fruit, grassy notes, and herbaceous characteristics. On the other hand, Verdelho from warmer climates such as the Hunter Valley develops richer, fuller flavours with ripe tropical fruit and honeyed tones. No matter the style, Australian Verdelho has consistently offered outstanding value, with most wines being affordable while maintaining high quality.
The Tulloch Twist: A Hunter Valley Staple Since 1895
When the Tulloch family first started making Verdelho in the early 1900s, it was in the Madeira-style fortified wine, known as Crème de Vin. This sweet, rich, and aged style was a nod to Verdelho’s Portuguese heritage and became a Hunter Valley classic.
By the 1950s and 1960s, Australian wine preferences were shifting towards lighter, more food-friendly table wines. During this period, Tulloch began experimenting with Verdelho in blended table wines, particularly with Semillon (then referred to as Hunter River Riesling). This blending process helped to enhance the structure and fruit expression of Semillon, adding richness and vibrancy to the final wine.
In 1973 and 1974, Tulloch took a bold step forward by producing its first standalone Verdelho table wine. While the wines were well-received, the 1973 vintage taught an important lesson. Verdelho needed to be picked at just the right level of ripeness. When harvested too late, the wine could develop overpowering flavours and lose its freshness. This knowledge became foundational for Tulloch’s future Verdelho production.
The 1982 vintage marked another breakthrough. Tulloch experimented with a slightly sweeter Verdelho, allowing a touch of natural residual sugar to remain in the wine. This style quickly became a hit at the cellar door and was soon released more widely. The immediate popularity of this style of Verdelho led to its continued production, and it remains a beloved choice for many wine lovers today.
Tulloch Verdelho Today
Tulloch Verdelho remains at the heart of the winery’s identity, continuing a legacy of innovation and excellence. Over the years, Tulloch has refined its winemaking techniques to preserve the natural freshness and vibrancy of the Verdelho grape, ensuring that every vintage reflects the best of Hunter Valley terroir.
Today, Tulloch offers a diverse range of Verdelho wines, catering to different palates and occasions:
Tulloch Verdelho - The signature style, known for its crisp acidity and vibrant tropical fruit notes.
Verscato - A refreshing, slightly sparkling Verdelho with a delicate sweetness, perfect for casual gatherings.
Crème de Vin - A nod to the winery’s heritage, this fortified style offers a rich, complex expression of Verdelho.
Vinyard Selection & Late Picked Verdelho - Tulloch continually experiments with Verdelho, crafting small-batch and reserve wines that explore new winemaking possibilities.
With an unwavering commitment to quality, Tulloch embraces sustainable viticulture and modern winemaking techniques to ensure that each bottle meets the highest standards. The wines are crafted with minimal intervention, allowing the true character of Verdelho to shine through.
Tulloch Verdelho is more than just a wine; it is a symbol of Hunter Valley’s rich winemaking tradition. Whether enjoyed at a long lunch, paired with fresh seafood, or sipped on a warm afternoon, Tulloch Verdelho continues to be a go-to choice for wine lovers across Australia and beyond.
What MakesTulloch Verdelho Special?
Hunter Valley Terroir: Warm days, cool nights, and well-drained soils create intensely aromatic and fresh Verdelho.
Winemaking Expertise: Over 130 years of fine-tuning means Tulloch Verdelho is always balanced, drinkable, and packed with flavour.
Vibrant, Fruit-Driven Style: Unlike the heavy fortified Verdelhos of the past, today’s Tulloch Verdelho is all about bright tropical fruit, zesty acidity, and easy drinking.
Tasting Notes & Pairings
What’s Inside the Bottle?
Every sip of Tulloch Verdelho delivers a bright, fruit-forward experience:
Aromas: Citrus zest, guava, passionfruit, and a hint of fresh herbs.
Flavours: Juicy pineapple, lime, and ripe tropical fruits, balanced with crisp acidity.
Texture: Smooth and refreshing with a lingering, clean finish.
Perfect Pairings
Spicy foods - Thai, Indian, and anything with a little heat.
Fresh seafood - Prawns, oysters, and light fish dishes.
Cheese & charcuterie - Perfect for grazing boards.
Long lunches & warm afternoons - A wine made for social occasions.
The Tulloch Legacy Lives On
For over a century, Tulloch Verdelho has evolved from a fortified classic to a fresh, vibrant, and essential Hunter Valley white. Whether you love it crisp and dry, slightly sweet, or rich and fortified, there is a Tulloch Verdelho for you.
Try It For Yourself
Visit Us: Experience Tulloch Verdelho at our Hunter Valley cellar door.
Shop Online: Get your favourite style of Verdelho delivered to your door.
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Tulloch Verdelho – A Taste of Hunter Valley History.
