VERDELHO
As the days get longer and the temperatures begin to rise, there’s no better way to welcome the arrival of Spring, than with a glass of Hunter Valley Verdelho in hand. This vibrant and refreshing wine has long been a favourite of our Winemaker – Brett Woodward, and for good reason.
Let’s explore what makes Hunter Valley Verdelho such a great wine for Spring and why you should consider adding it to your wine collection this season.
Hunter Valley Terroir
Verdelho thrives in the Hunter Valley. The combination of well-drained sandy soils and a warmer climate creates the perfect environment for growing Verdelho grapes. The region’s distinctive microclimate imparts a crisp acidity and vibrant fruit characteristics to the wine, making it a quintessential choice for Spring sipping.
Refreshing
As the weather warms up, we tend to gravitate towards lighter, more refreshing wines. One of the most appealing characteristics of Hunter Valley Verdelho is its aromatic and bright acidity, this wine is like a burst of sunshine in a glass. The crispness of the wine pairs perfectly with the rejuvenating vibes of Spring, making it an ideal choice for outdoor gatherings, picnics, or simply savouring on a sunny afternoon.
Versatile
Hunter Valley Verdelho’s versatility in food pairing is another reason why it shines in warmer months. Its refreshing tropical fruit flavours make it an excellent match for a wide range of dishes. Whether you’re enjoying a fresh salad, seafood or spicy Asian cuisine, this wine has the acidity and fruitiness to complement your meal beautifully.
Hunter Valley Verdelho is crisp, versatile, and refreshing making it a crowd-pleasing choice for this season’s celebrations and gatherings.
VERDELHO FRUITFUL FACTS
Verdelho was one of the first grape varieties planted in Australia by European settlers in the 19th century. It arrived with the early Portuguese and Spanish immigrants who brought their winemaking traditions to the continent.
The Portuguese Island, of Madeira, is famous for producing a fortified wine of the same name, known for its unique aging process. This involves exposure to high temperatures in the island’s estufa system. In the past, the oxidation process of Madeira wine depended on it being exposed to heat during extended sea voyages. It was thought that the wine’s distinctive flavour was developed by the wine’s movement within the barrels during its time at sea.
2022 Saddler’s Verdelho
Fresh tropical fruit flavours burst out of the glass.
invigorating fruit salad of crisp Nashi pear, lively pineapple
and star fruit with a zesty dry finish.
Pair: The fragrant fruit concentration balances the spice and aromatics of Asian cuisines like Vietnamese and Thai dishes wonderfully.
Cheers to making memories, anywhere, every time!"
Spring is a time to embrace the outdoors, connect with friends and enjoy the longer warmer days. The Saddler’s Collection is made for pure enjoyment and good conversations….
So we have put together a Saddler’s Celebration Guide featuring our favourite recipes. Each Saddler’s wine has been paired with a Spring inspired vegetarian recipe, a wine cocktail recipe and a curated Spotify playlist.
Whether you’re having a long lunch with friends, a family gathering or a night in by yourself, use this guide to inspire the mood for every day celebrations.
The Saddler’s range has been crafted for pure enjoyment and good conversations…Whether it’s a BBQ with friends, date night at your favourite BYO restaurant or chats over the fence with the neighbours, the Saddler’s Collection are premium wines that will proudly impress. Truely a match for every occasion!
Cheers to making memories anywhere, anytime!
EVENTS
Spring Garden Tasting
Sundays in September and October
Looking for the perfect reason to gather your friends and celebrate the joyful things in life?
Enjoy a high tea-inspired garden party, surrounded by fellow food and wine enthusiast. Set our Instagramable Wine Garden overlooking the Saddler’s vineyard and Brokenback ranges. Explore our Saddler’s selection of white wines presented by our wine expert guides. Your Spring theme table will be presented with a delicious savoury mini degustation to complement your tasting.
Held every Sunday at 11am throughout September and October. So gather your friends and bask in the Spring sunshine for an unforgettable journey of flavours, friendship and fun.
Your menu has been curated by Saddler’s Eats award-winning Chef, Jonathan Heath to pair with our Saddler’s Collection featuring the best of Hunter Valley varietals.
Picnic in the Vines
Saturday 23rd September
Experience true Hunter Valley hospitality at our annual event – Picnic in the Vines.
Sip and savour and enjoy the beauty of Spring at our annual long table luncheon. Situated in our picturesque Wine Garden overlooking the Saddler’s vineyard and Brokenback ranges. Gather your loved ones and celebrate life’s simple pleasures… time spent with family and friends enjoying good food with great wine…
Begin your day with a glass of sparkling or wine cocktail on arrival, your allocated seat at the long table ensures you can unwind and relax under the shady trees and enjoy live music by Anna Weatherup. Vibrant Spring themed tables will be presented with a delicious banquet lunch. Enjoy generous shared plates of picnic-inspired dishes prepared by Saddler’s Eats award-winning chef, Jonathan Heath and his team.
The Saddler’s Bar will be offering a selection of our wines by the glass and bottle, along with local craft beer and soft drinks.
The Saddler’s range has been crafted for pure enjoyment and good conversations…Whether it’s a BBQ with friends, date night at your favourite BYO restaurant or chats over the fence with the neighbours, the Saddler’s Collection are premium wines that will proudly impress. Truely a match for every occasion!
Cheers to making memories anywhere, anytime!
Fresh, Crisp & Zesty
Vibrant, fresh and bright. Refined flavours of freshly zested lemon and lime with hints of crispy granny smith apple. The finish is clean, dry and utterly refreshing.
The Hunter Valley is renowned for crafting world class Semillon which has incredible aging potential.
If you’re looking for a delicious and refreshing wine to enjoy on a warm sunny day, this wine is sure to please.
Aromatic, Tropical, Lively
Fresh tropical fruit flavours burst out of the glass.
invigorating fruit salad of crisp Nashi pear, lively pineapple and star fruit with a zesty dry finish.
Its vibrant flavours and bright acidity are refreshing under the sun, and its lighter body ensures it won’t weigh you down during your springtime adventures.
Expect a dry-style aromatic wine bursting with tropical fruit salad.
Vibrant, Fresh, Flavoursome
Fresh natural acidity with beautiful stone fruit flavours are balanced with subtle oak flavour. It is a delicate and refreshing white wine.
The fruit for this Chardonnay is sourced from the premium maritime growing region of Langhorne Creek. The unique climate allows for slow and even ripening producing a fine, crisp style of wine. Gentle fermentation and battonage with maturation in a mix of new and seasoned French oak for 6 months.
Fragrant Turkish delight and rose water aromas. Vibrant red berry flavours with hints of bittersweet orange. A lovely fruit driven wine with a refreshingly dry finish.
Produced from Shiraz and Merlot which give a balance of body and texture. Minimal skin contact, the colour is bright and the palate is clean and crisp. Bright, aromatic and fruit driven. A very easy-to-drink wine to enjoy over the warmer months.
Vibrant aromas of mandarin and passionfruit, it has
lively flavours of tropical fruit salad with a succulent
off dry finish.
Crafted from a blend of Semillon, Riesling, Arneis and
Fiano. Each grape contributes to the beautiful aromatics,
texture and flavour of the wine.
Pretty aromas of fairy floss, lychee and rose. It’s light and lively with sweet wild strawberries, pink musk and a dash of sherbet fizz. Subtly sweet on the palate with a generous bead, the finish is crisp and refreshing.
Made from the Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains grape variety. The fruit was picked in the cool of the night to preserve fruit freshness and aromatics. Cool fermentation was stopped early to maintain the perfect balance between natural acid and grape sugar in the final blend.
Watch Tasting Note
