The name Vinho Verde (translated as green wine) is commonly used to describe a low-priced, light, acidic, and slightly sparkling white wine, in restaurants you will often find it in a seperate section to red and white wines.
However, Vinho Verde isn’t actually green, but can be white or red. Vinho Verde is a wine region in the north of Portugal that produces white wine similar to the one described at the beginning, but also produces high quality white wines, as well as red wines, rosés and sparkling wines. Vinho Verde is a DOC (protected denomination of origin) just like the Douro or Madeira, in fact, it is the largest DOC in Portugal with an area of around 24,000 hectares.
The region encompasses the Minho region and more, it is split into nine sub-regions as shown below:
The vines from the region were referenced in Roman texts 2000 years ago, and in a royal decree, the first Portuguese king D. Afonso Henriques, established that vines planted in the region were exempt from any tax for the first five years, this was over 800 years ago. This shows the relevance and age of viticulture in the region of Vinho Verde.
The main grapes used in the region are:
- Alvarinho: From the north of the Minho region, Alvarinho makes characterful, rich, mineral white wines with notes of citrus and peaches, often fuller in body and higher in alcohol than most Vinho Verde, usually bottled as a single variety wines, they are expressful and delicious when young and can improve with age, common in regions of Spain where it goes by the name Albariño.
- Avesso: Means contrary or opposite in Portuguese, unlike the other native grapes this one is found mostly in the south of Vinho Verde, gives wines aromas of orchard fruit.
- Loureiro: Also from the north of the Minho region, Loureiro got its name from “louro”, laurel in English, as it's an aroma that distinguishes it from other white grapes, wines made from Loureiro are light, fresh and intense, with aromas such as laurel and citrus fruits.
- Trajadura: Originally from the north of the Vinho Verde region, Trajadura makes wines with lower acidity and higher alcoholic strength than the other grapes, it is generally blended with Loureiro or Alvarinho, to bring more body and a certain citrusy character to a wine.
- Arinto: Very common in the region, but also throughout Portugal, Arinto is the most common white grape variety in the country, planted from the north all the way down to the Algarve. It makes elegant, mineral white wines with notes of lemon and apple, Arinto wines tend to gain complexity with age.
- Vinhão: An example of a red wine grape widely used in the region, it was believed Vinhão and Sousão (grape used in the Douro for reds and ports) were the same. However, recent ampelographic research has cast doubt over this. In any case, Vinhão produces wines with a deep red colour, generally bold and intense wines with lots of tannins and red fruit aromas. Just like Sousão in the Douro, its capacity to produce high quality reds is being explored with impressive results.
So what wines should you be taking to your next apéro or barbeque?
We have two options for an Alvarinho:
- Casa Santos Lima Pluma Alvarinho 2024: With a citrine colour this wine has a fresh and fruity aroma with notes of passion fruit and white flowers. On the palate it is elegant and harmonious. Pair with any type of fish, seafood and salads.
- Quinta de Curvos Alvarinho 2024: With delicate floral scents, notes of ripe fruits and tropical fruits. Full-bodied on the palate, great structure and complexity. Pair with seafood dishes, oysters and shrimp croquettes.
For an Avesso varietal we propose:
- Paço do Teixeiró Avesso 2019: A deep yellow colour, complex and deep aromas of citrus with lots of minerality. On the palate it is elegant and balanced, aromatic with a long and fresh finish.
- Quinta de Curvos Avesso 2023: With notes of orchard fruits, plum and pear presenting a body with character, structure and long-lasting finish. Pair with light meat or fatty fish, such as tuna.
For typical Vinho Verde blends, two wines stand out:
- Jardins do Vinho Jardim do Mar 2023: A blend of Loureiro, Arinto and Trajadura, has a clear pale yellow colour, this wine is extremely elegant, with a crisp and fruity bouquet marked by notes of green apple and lime. With a vibrant minerality and refreshing notes of citrus fruits. Pair with salads, asian cuisine or even Spaghetti alle vongole. Also available at Comptoir des Vins !
- Quinta de São Bento Zulmira 2022: A blend of 60% Loureiro and 40% Arinto, won an award for the best white Vinho Verde in 2023, and in my opinion it has just gotten better since. It maintains its freshness and aromas of citrus and white fruit, and floral notes, but has an added layer of complexity not usually associated with Vinho Verde whites. Pairs well with grilled white fish or summer risottos.
If you're looking for something new and a bit out there:
- Quinta de Curvos Pét Nat: A blend of 70% Loureiro and 30% Arinto, is a light and fresh sparkling wine, lemon coloured with aromas of white fruit. Very versatile, ideal as an aperitif and to socialize with friends. Great to accompany a roast or a grilled dish, or an apéro with friends.
