Vinho verdes bring back memories of the rain drenched Atlantic coastline of northern Portugal and its verdant valleys with vines climbing high pergolas and chickens scratching around between the rows of cabbages and potatoes beneath. Thankfully the winter rains give way to long hot summers and much time spent with a glass of cool spritzy vinho verde in one hand and a pair of tongs in the other turning sardines or marinated chicken on the barbeque.
Vinho verdes or so-called ‘young wines’ are drunk soon after bottling. They are light and refreshing with a high natural acidity. They are also lower in alcohol and perfect for aperitifs, barbeques, picnics or just to while away a lazy summer afternoon with friends.
The vinho verde region is huge. It stretches down from the border with Galicia to south of Porto and as far east as the Douro in a series of long valleys down to the Atlantic. There are nine sub-regions each with its own blend of grapes and style.
Around Ponte de Lima, the picturesque market town in the Lima valley, the aromatic Loureiro grape thrives with the cooling maritime breezes. Here many small- holders deliver their grapes to the well run Adega de Ponte de Lima which turn them into crisp citrusy loureiros, delicate rosés and fruity sparkling wines.
The Minho valley to the north forms the border with Rias Biaxas in Galicia. Here vinho verde production is centred on the tiny subregion of Monçao and Melgaço, frontier towns with imposing medieval ramparts perched high above the wide gorge of the Minho River.
The slopes surrounding these towns are clad in the lush foliage of the Alvarinho grape, the same grape variety as the Albariño of the Rias Baixas DO planted across the river in Galicia.
Alvarinho wines have flavours ranging from lean green apple freshness and crisp minerality through to tropical pineapple and ripe stone fruit flavours. They are wonderful with the huge range of fish hauled in daily from the Atlantic Ocean.
Try one for yourself !
