Exploring Portugal’s Vinho Verde Wine Region

Vinho Verde wines are more that just the light, fresh wines that they have been known for in the past. There is a new generation of winemakers who are crafting top level wines from the many local grape varieties, and these wines have complex aromas and flavours and some are even capable of aging a decade or more. The Atlantic climate is challenging here as vines can become dense, but new training systems have contributed to the increase in quality of wines from Vinho Verde.

There are 45 grape varieties grown in Vinho Verde, only the original native grapes are allowed, and many sub-regions allow an even narrower range of varieties. The resulting wines highlight the distinct features of the regional terroir in each area. The main red grapes are Alvarelhão (Brancelho), Amaral, Borraçal, Espadeiro, Padeiro, Pedral, Rabo-de-Anho, Vinhão and whites include Alvarinho, Arinto (Pedernã), Avesso, Azal, Batoca (Alvaraça), Loureiro, Trajadura (Treixadura). While Verde means green in Portuguese, wines range from white to dark red and since 1999 sparkling wines under the name Espumante de Vinho Verde, have been produced using both tank and bottle fermentation.

The topography of Vinho Verde is a vast amphitheater beginning on the coast and increasing in altitude inland exposing the entire region to the influence of the Atlantic Ocean. The region extends across the northwest of Portugal with the Minho River marking the area’s northern border, and the Douro River, the Freita, Arada and Montemuro mountains its southern. To the east there are the mountains of Peneda, Gerês, Cabreira and Marão, and to the west, the Atlantic Ocean. It is the largest of the Portuguese regions and one of the largest in Europe, part of the reason there is such a wide range of wine styles produced here.

The climate is mild with heavy rain, occurring mainly in the winter and spring, with the summer and autumn, when the grapes ripen, being hot and dry. Granite is the predominant soil in the Vinho Verde region, however there are two slate veins running southeast to northeast. There are nine sub-regions including Baião, Amarante, Basto, Lima, Ave, Sousa, Cávado, Paiva, Monção and Melgaço. There are a wide variety of grapes grown in Vinho Verde and most wines are crafted as a blend, meaning the resulting bottle is much more than the sum of its individual parts. Vinho Verde’s wineries and growers are redefining themselves and the region is now known for complex, tangy, mineral-driven wines.

Aveleda Quinta Loureiro and Alvarinho 2019

The Loureiro grape brings floral and citrus aromas and notes to this wine, which combines with the tropical flavours of the Alvarinho grape to produce an elegant, smooth, and harmonious wine, lingering on the palate. Perfect with a salmon and tuna poke bowl with a little bit of spicy sauce dotted atop. They carry this wine at the Broadway International Wine Shop.

Adega Ponte De Lima 2019

Another fine example of Loureiro and Trajadura marrying well to bring us a pale-yellow zesty wine with aromas of lime and melon. Very lively and fesh with some good structure.

Quinta da Lixa Pouco Comum 2019

This straight Alvarinho is an elegant wine made in a year that had exceptional conditions. It is flowery with stone fruit notes and a touch of lemon zest. Great acidity here and another long finish.

Quinta de Golaes 2018

In this bottle, from the Monção and Melgaço sub-region, you will find predominantly Alvarinho, with Trajadura and Loureiro added. Hand harvested, whole bunch pressed and fermented in stainless steel, this bottle has complex flavours of grapefruit, lime, and pear with some mineral and honey notes. This white would work well with some spot prawns or even a plate of cured meat.

**Brought to you in partnership with wines from Vinho Verde