Verdelho, under the African sun - and a MOVIE

Verdelho finds its “roots” in the soils of the island of Madeira, Portugal. It's the most planted white varietal on the island. From there, over centuries, it spread all over the world and subsequently made its way to South Africa. As an immigrant from hot and dry Portugal, it felt immediately at home under the African Sun. Its unique ability to take the extreme conditions in its stride caught the eye of winemakers.

Freshness is of ultra importance in wine. And freshness comes not only from higher acidity and low pH, but also from the aromatic profile of the wine. This is where Verdelho has the perfect balance. You can pick it early (ensuring higher acidity and lower pH) - but its aromatic profile is ripe and full, yet fresh. Even in extreme conditions. 

Winemakers mostly make use of Verdelho as their secret weapon to freshen up white blends, but I would like to show you what 100% Verdelho tastes like - this is your opportunity to taste 3 Verdelho's from 3 different terroirs - Helderberg, Paardeberg and the Riebeeck Mountain.

Aasvoël 2023 - Verdelho from the lower slopes of the Helderberg, just outside Somerset West. Close to the ocean. (Wine of Origin Stellenbosch) - Tim Atkin 93 points
Jimmy 2022 - Verdelho from the slopes of the Paardeberg, facing towards Paarl. (Wine of Origin Voor-Paardeberg) - Tim Atkin 93 points
Makstokkie 2004 - Verdelho from the steep, schisty slopes of Riebeeck-Kasteel. (Wine of Origin Swartland) - Tim Atkin 93 points

And just to make it more fun, I present to you.... Aasvoël - THE MOVIE. Our take on a fun edit of my original voice note of Aasvoël - the Helderberg Verdelho.