David Traeger, Maranoa Verdelho 2017

Get to know: David Traeger ‘Maranoa’ Verdelho

A distinctive Australian white wine from Victoria that puts Verdelho firmly back in the spotlight.

Tasting Note

David Traeger ‘Maranoa’ Verdelho is an elegant yet characterful white that delivers real depth without losing its freshness. Bright straw in colour with youthful green hues, it opens with lifted aromas of guava, ripe stone fruit and melon, followed by subtle notes of rose petal and lychee – classic Verdelho character rather than anything to do with Verdejo. On the palate, it’s rounded and mouth-filling, balanced by a fine line of citrus acidity that keeps everything fresh and focused. The finish is dry, crisp and lingering, showing impressive complexity and polish for an Australian Verdelho of this age. It’s a quietly brilliant white wine that rewards a bit of attention.

Top food pairings:

• Poached chicken breast with lemon-scented risotto
• Grilled pork with herbs and citrus
• Roast vegetable dishes with fennel or squash

Kate Says

"This is one of those wines I love introducing people to – unexpected, full of flavour and seriously good value. A proper ‘trust me and try it’ bottle."

Producer Info

David Traeger is a veteran Australian winemaker who began his career in 1973 before founding his own winery in 1986. Now working as a small independent producer in Victoria, his focus is on making limited volumes of elegant, expressive wines that highlight pure fruit character and thoughtful, hands-on winemaking.

How it’s made:

• Varieties: 100% Verdelho
• Harvested at optimal ripeness to balance flavour intensity with freshness
• Gently pressed to retain aromatic purity
• Fermented in stainless steel to preserve fruit clarity and varietal character
• Aged on fine lees for 4–6 months with occasional bâtonnage for added texture and depth

Good to know:

• Region: Victoria, Australia
• Style: White, still, medium-bodied
• Closure: Screwcap
• Vegan: No
• ABV: 14%
• Vintage: 2017

Why we love it:

This Australian white wine is a brilliant reminder of just how good Verdelho can be when handled with care. Complex yet refreshing, it’s a talking-point bottle that offers something a bit different, making it perfect for curious drinkers and confident food pairing alike.