Growing Region Vinho Verde | Portugal

The Many Sub-Regions Of Vinho Verde

The climate in Vinho Verde varies greatly, which is especially noticeable in the nine sub-regions into which the region is divided and which are named after different rivers and cities: Monção and Melgaço, Lima, Cávado, Ave, Basto, Sousa, Baião, Paiva and Amarante. The grapes of the different sub-regions also differ. The sub-regions of Monção and Melgaço in the extreme north have lower rainfall and higher temperatures than the rest of the region - ideal conditions for the Alvarinho, which is exclusively permitted here. This grape variety is used to produce full-bodied, dry white wines with complex yet subtle aromas: Apricot, peach and citrus fruits paired with a certain minerality and smokiness. To the south are the Lima, Cávado and Ave sub-zones. Here the main grape variety is Loureiro, sometimes Pedernã (or Arinto) and Trajadura. The wines are typically fresh and aromatic, often with a scent of citrus and flowers. The mountainous areas of Basto and Sousa produce light wines from a variety of grape varieties. In the Amarante and Baião sub-regions, the Avesso grape variety yields dry, creamy and mineral white wines. Amarante, together with the southernmost sub-region of Paiva, is also known for red wines.

From Melgaço to Vale de Cambra and from Esposende to the granite-gray mountains in Basto on the border with Trás-os-Montes, the landscape is one of hilly ups and downs without extreme heights or wide plains. Here and there, small towns and villages punctuate the landscape. This fertile land is the birthplace of the eponymous Vinho Verde. From this wonderful region with its regional grape varieties comes a unique white wine. Light, fresh, young and wonderfully aromatic, Vinho Verde can be drunk on all occasions: a sunny picnic, a fancy meal in a restaurant, a romantic night in ... Vinho Verde is perfect with salads, fish, seafood, vegetable dishes, citrus sauces and Asian food.

Vinho Verde The insider tip among white wine drinkers

The quality of Vinho Verde and the regional brands has greatly increased in recent years. The increase in quality is due on the one hand to better training, the newly ignited ambition and enthusiasm of today's winemakers, and on the other hand to better grapes. Where once vines were strung up on arbors, today the vines are pulled up on modern steel cables so that they are better ventilated, exposed to the sun, and thus can ripen more healthily. Some delicious wines are grown under the more flexible Vinho Minho rules. These sometimes involve blending regional grape varieties with foreign ones, or occasionally aging in wooden barrels.

Main white grape varieties (vary by subregion):
Alvarinho, Arinto Avesso, Azal, Loureiro, Trajadura.

Red main grape varieties (vary by subregion):
Alvarelhão, Amaral, Borraçal, Espadeiro, Padeiro, Pedral, Rabo de Anho, Vinhão