Vinho Verde is 100% estate fruit, estate bottled, low RS and a very light carbonation, allowing for a medium bodied and better balanced wine. The fact that fruit comes from the estate’s 104 plots (yes 104!) provides consistent quality from vintage to vintage. Vera Vinho Verde is one of the great offers from Portugal and from the region.
Azal is citric and fresh and Loureiro is aromatic and delicate. Clean, lively flavors of lime, ripe pink and yellow grapefruit. Slight effervescence.
region: Vinho Verde, Portugal
varietals: Arinto, Azal and Loureiro
style: effervescent white
farming & cellar: Harvest is entirely manual in 20 kg crates. Loureiro is picked first, Arinto is picked by mid-October and Azal sometimes going well into November. De-stemming and gentle pressing. The juice settles for 48 hours before fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks. Filtered prior to bottling which occurs in February.
pairing: A little known fact about Portuguese winemaking history is that in the 50’s and 60’s, the Portuguese government, under pressure from the wine industry, resisted the arrival of Coca-Cola and soft drinks. Vinho Verdes, with their light alcohol and slight carbonation, were the soft-drink du jour, the drink people could have for lunch or when meeting with a friend. SO lunch ! Grilled Sardines, Octopus, Croquettes, monkfish stew.
