Verdea

The Verdea grape is a rare white variety primarily cultivated in Lombardy, though its origins are believed to trace back to Tuscany. The name Verdea likely comes from the Latin “viridis verde”, meaning green, a reference to the grape’s yellow-green skins and the wine’s subtle greenish reflections.

Historical records highlight its deep roots in Italian viticulture. In 1937, ampelographer Giovanni Dalmasso cited a note from 14th-century novelist Franco Sacchetti, who described a grape called Sancolombana, thought to be Verdea. Legend also suggests that St. Columban, the Irish monk who arrived in northern Italy to spread Christianity, introduced the grape to Milan and the surrounding lands, teaching locals how to cultivate vines.

Today, Verdea is mostly grown in the provinces of Milan and Pavia, especially in the DOC San Colombano area, as well as in the province of Piacenza. However, it can still be found in Tuscany, where historical references to the grape date back to the 14th century and where it is also known as Colombana. Particularly suited for drying, Verdea is often used in sweet wines, though it can also be vinified on its own.

The Verdea vine produces consistent and abundant yields. Its grapes are medium-sized, oval berries with thick, firm, yellow-green skins lightly covered in bloom. The clusters are medium, conical-pyramidal, short, and stocky with one or two wings, while the leaves are medium, pentagonal, and three- to five-lobed.

Wines made from Verdea are typically pale straw-yellow in colour with delicate greenish hues. The flavour is neutral and not particularly intense, making it versatile for blends as well as for sweet styles where drying the grapes concentrates their sugars.