Verdello

A white grape named for the greenish-yellow color its skin retains even at full ripeness. First noted in Tonicello's studies (1894), then Molon's (1909), as a variety typical of the Orvieto zone, and formally presented as a local variety at Perugia's 1949 viticultural conference and grape exhibition. Registered in MASAF's national vine register (scheda 253). About 700 ha are planted nationally, mostly in Umbria (507 ha) with a smaller pocket in Sicilia (171 ha).

Gives a straw-yellow wine, intense on the nose with fruity notes, fresh and moderately savory on the palate with a slightly bitter finish. Nearly always used in blends with other Umbrian/Tuscan varieties — varietal Verdello wines are a genuine rarity. Prefers sunny, well-ventilated hillsides with medium-fertility, clay-and-limestone soils, and struggles with drought. Key to Orvieto DOC and Colli del Trasimeno in Umbria; in Tuscany appears in Bianco di Pitigliano and Val di Magra.