Vinho Verde Wine
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VINHO VERDE AND THE WINES OF THE MINHO

The beautiful green region of the Minho is located in the northwest of Portugal. Sandwiched between the rivers Douro and Minho on the Spanish border and locked in by the mountains to the east. The region's climate is greatly influenced by mountains and Atlantic currents. The most significant feature is the yearly rain levels showing an annual average of 1500mm concentrated mainly in winter and spring.
For good reason, many Portuguese consider the Minho to be the most beautiful part of their country. A rolling province of lush river valleys, forested hillsides, trailing vines and long, sandy beaches. The Minho is immensely pleasing to the eye. Much is made of the Minho's traditional aspect, especially in the mountainous east, where you can still see wood-wheeled ox-carts creak down cobbled lanes. Here age-old customs are maintained at dozens of huge country markets, festas and romarias.

THE WINE

Vinho Verde

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Vinho Verde is a unique product, misunderstood by some but loved by many. Its blend of fresh aromas, ripe fruitiness and a cheeky pétillance combine to make it a deliciously refreshing beverage. It is a highly regarded wine, especially when served chilled for Summer drinking. Malolactic fermentation adds a distinctive buttery softness and rounds off the wines to crisp acidity. Whilst a light prickly fizz is achieved by a second fermentation in the bottle. Vinho Verde comes in white, red rosé and sparkling variants.

The reds are full-bodied wines with an intense colour and a rosy or light red foam. The whites usually present a lemony or straw colour. The distinctive character of these wines is the result of soil and climate characteristics, social-economic elements, grape varieties and vine-growing methods.

CVR Vinho Verde Official Website

APPELLATION

The Vinho Verde demarcated wine territory is divided into nine distinct sub-regions:

Amarante

Located in the interior of the Minho, the sub-region of Amarante is protected from the influence of the Atlantic. It lies at quite a high average altitude. The average annual temperatures are warmer than other sub-regions. These conditions favour the production of certain late-ripening varieties: Azal and Avesso (whites) and Amaral and Espadeiro (reds). The soil is granite, like most of the region. The white wines usually present fruity flavours and an alcohol content greater than the regional average. But Amarante's fame comes from its reds, particularly from the Vinhão variety, which produces wines with a deep colour and much appreciated by the locals.


Ave

In the sub-region of Ave, the vines are planted along the flood basin of the river Ave. It is an area of somewhat irregular terrain and low altitude, therefore more exposed to sea breezes. The climate is thus characterised by lower-temperature ranges and higher average rainfall. As a result Ave sub-region produces mainly white wines with a crisp freshness and floral, citrine fruit hints. The Arinto and Loureiro varieties are well suited to this climate due to their average maturation. Also to be noted is the Trajadura variety that ripens early and helps to soften the wines.

Vinho Verde Amarante

Vinho Verde Amarante

Vinho Verde Basto

Vinho Verde Basto

Baião

Bordering the Douro wine region, the sub-region of Baião lies at a moderate altitude. The climate is less temperate and has colder winters, less rainfall and hotter and drier summer months. These characteristics allow the correct ripening of the late maturing grape varieties like Azal and Avesso (white) and Amaral (red), which have greater demands for heat in their final ripening stage. This sub-region has become known for the production of highly acclaimed white wines from the Avesso variety, which combine an intense fruity aroma with lively acidity.


Basto

The most inland sub-region in the Minho is Basto. It lies at an average altitude and is protected from the Atlantic winds. The climate is quite rough, with cold and rainy winters (together with the Lima valley, which has the highest annual rainfall) and hot dry summers. The terrain favours grape varieties that ripen late such as Azal (white), Espadeiro and Rabo de Ovelha (red). The Azal variety reaches its greatest potential in Basto. It enables very distinct wines to be obtained, with a very fresh aroma of lemon and green apple. Reds are also widely produced here, presenting a high vinosity and a full-fresh bouquet.

TOP TOURS

Alto Minho - Dive Deep In The Alto Minho

Dive Deep In The Alto Minho

After a morning pick-up at your hotel in Porto, meet your private guide and relax inside a comfortable vehicle. With all the exclusivity and privacy, head towards the north of Portugal, and go to beautiful Viana do Castelo. Enjoy the impressive views of the town, and the historic town centre before going to Ponte de Lima, for lunch. After an unforgettable meal, we will visit the oldest Portugal village.


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Private Tour Alvarinho (Melgaço and Monção) includes 3 wine tastings

Private Tour Alvarinho (Melgaço and Monção) includes 3 wine tastings

The origin of Alvarinho takes place between the river and the mountain away from the influence of the ocean, one of the conditions favourable to its development. The thermal amplitude at maturation is characterised by hot days and cold nights. This factor contributes to the protection of aromas and to the persistence of flavour, retaining its freshness. Young or more adult, this Vinho Verde always preserves its character when over the years.

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Private Vinho Verde Tour: Visit 2 Wineries with Wine Tastings & Lunch

Private Vinho Verde Tour: Visit 2 Wineries with Wine Tastings & Lunch

Discover Portugal’s unique wine tradition of Vinho Verde (green wine), on this full-day tour from Porto. The Minho wine region is filled with lush, green scenery, which you can discover on this tour. Sample the special wine at local wineries, enjoy a delicious Portuguese lunch, and learn about this wine region. Discover the Vinho Verde tradition of Portugal on this full-day tour.

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Cávado

As with Ave, the vines in Cávado are scattered throughout the Cávado river flood plain, covering areas of varying elevations and quite low altitudes that are exposed to Atlantic winds. These factors provide a pleasant climate with no great extremes of temperature and with moderate annual rainfall. As well as granite soils, there are also various types of schist, though it is not particularly extensive. The climate is suitable for producing white wines, using particularly using Arinto, Loureiro and Trajadura grapes. They are wines with moderate acidity and citrus notes of ripened apples and pears. The red produced here is mostly from Vinhão and Borraçal varieties, with deep garnet colour and fruity aromas.

Lima

In terms of temperature range, the sub-region of Lima occupies an intermediate position compared to the other sub-regions. However, rainfall is higher. The altitude of the vineyards is variable and increases the further you travel from the coast, where the terrain is also more irregular, giving rise to some micro-climates in the Lima Valley, sometimes referred to as Lower Lima and Higher Lima. Like in the Cávado sub-region, there is a strip of soil originating from schist as well as granite soils, though it is not a significant stretch.

The most famous white wines from this sub-region are produced from the Loureiro varieties. The aromas are fine and elegant and go from citrus to floral. The Arinto and Trajadura varieties are also widely found here. They adapt well to climate that are less influenced by the Atlantic winds. The reds are mainly produced from Vinhão and Borraçal varieties. Usually, the red wines from the more inland zones of this region show better potential, due to climatic conditions that affect ripening.

Vinho Verde Cávado

Vinho Verde Cávado

Vinho Verde Monção and Melgaço

Vinho Verde Monção and Melgaço

Monção and Melgaço

The sub-region of Monção and Melgaço has a very specific microclimate and uses only Alvarinho (white, Albariño in Spain), Pedral (red) and Alvarelhão (red), these three varieties mature early. The soils here are from granite, though there are some places with strips of shingle.

The microclimate is noted for cold winters with average rainfall, while summers are hot and dry, which shows limited influence from the Atlantic. The sub-region runs along the south bank of the River Minho in an area of half-slopes. The extreme wines from the Alvarinho variety are the ex-libris of the sub-region of Monção and Melgaço.


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Paiva

Similar to the Lima in temperature range and hot summer. Neither is it the region with the highest rainfall indices since it is not so exposed to the influence of the sea, but rather inland and at a high altitude. This is why the red varieties of Amaral and particularly Vinhão reach an optimal state of ripeness here and produce some of the most celebrated red Vinho Verdes in the whole Minho region. The whites come from Arinto, Loureiro and Trajadura grape varieties, which are adapted to the temperate climate and therefore common almost throughout the region, but usually found allied with Avesso in this sub-region.


Sousa

Like the Ave and Cávado sub-regions, the climate here is pleasant and the range of temperatures vary slightly. Rainfall is below average. Sousa could be considered a transition sub-region since it is not directly exposed to the influence of the Atlantic, though it does have some effect due to the slightly accentuated elevation. It is an inland zone, but without extremely cold winters or extremely hot summers. The recommended varieties are those typical of the more temperate areas such as Arinto, Loureiro and Trajadura, as well as Azal and Avesso, whose ripening is more demanding. Reds are made with Borraçal, Amaral and Vinhão, Espadeiro varieties.

Vinho Verde Sousa

Vinho Verde Sousa

Vinho Regional Minho

Vinho Regional Minho

Vinho Regional Minho

Vinho Regional Minho, formerly Rios do Minho, covers the entire Vinho Verde region and is a less restrictive designation than DOC (Denominação de Origem Controlada) regulations, similar to France's vin de pays. The Minho VR allows for a broader pallet of grape varieties and production techniques and as such allows the wine-maker to be more creative with the treasures the region has to offer. VR wines should not be considered lesser quality than those which carry the DOC Label. In recent times varietal wines have become popular along with the resurgence of interest in the wines from the Minho.

Sparkling Vinho Verde

Although there has been a history of making sparkling wines in the region their labelling as Sparkling Vinho Verde is recent, only coming into being in 1999. Essentially it's classic Vinho Verde which undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle for a minimum of nine months. The taste profile is much the same as Vinho Verde with a reinforced aromatic freshness. These Espumantes need to be served cold, between 8-10ºC.

VISIT A VINEYARD

Palaçio da Brejoeira

Palaçio da Brejoeira

About two miles (3km) south of Monção along the road to Braga lies the 19th-century Brejoeira Palace which is now open to the public sharing all its beauty and antiques with visitors. Ex-libris of the Alto-Minho region, this outstanding neo-classical building forms an astonishing ensemble: the palace, the chapel, the woods, the gardens, the vineyards and the old cellar.


Tuesday - Sunday: 09h00 - 12h30/14h00 -18h00, MONDAY: CLOSED
Quinta da Brejoeira, 4950-660 Pinheiros, Monção, Portugal.
42º 02' 29.7" N | 08º 29' 33.5" W
+351 251 666 129 | geral@palaciodabrejoeira.pt |  Website

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Adega Co-operativa de Monção

Adega Co-operativa de Monção

One of the best co-operatives in Portugal consistently making good wine year after year at very reasonable prices, their wine labels are deceptively outdated. A collection of over 1600 growers. Many of whom are small vineyard holdings growing speciality grape varieties of the Monção sub-region such as Alvarinho and Galician Treixadura. Vinho Verdes from this co-operative is deliciously mineralistic, peachy, crisp and refreshing. Visits are available during the week.

Monday - Friday: 09h00 - 12h30/14h00 - 18h00, Weekends: CLOSED
Termas do Eirôgo Galegos, Galegos Santa Maria 4750-461, Barcelos. Portugal.
41° 33' 51.4" N | 08° 35' 55.2" W
+351 253 811 388 | adegademoncao@mail.telepac.pt |  Website

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Casa de Vilacetinho

Casa de Vilacetinho

Those wishing to visit Casa de Vilacetinho's wine cellar can choose between three different tasting options which operate in in a personalised way. Besides the variety of wines tasted, you will also be able to try local traditional corn bread and olives. All tours and tastings are available in either Portuguese or English by trained staff. In the onsite shop you will also be able to find all the wines on sale, in presentation boxes and transportation cases.

Monday – Friday 10h00 - 12h00/14h00 - 18h00, Saturday & Sunday: CLOSED

Vilacetinho, 4575-073 Alpendorada, Portugal.
41° 05' 05.1" N | 08° 14' 21.3" W
+351 255 619 744 | info@casadevilacetinho.pt |  Website

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Quinta da Lixa

Quinta da Lixa

Quinta da Lixa offers a choice of different enriching and unforgettable visit options. Beginning with a visit to the iconic Sala dos Arcos, passing through the grapes reception and processing area and ends in the wine tasting room with a privileged view over the bottling line and the vineyards. Let yourself be carried away in this fantastic adventure through the Vinho Verde region.

09h00 – 16h00

From €9.00
Av. Dr. Machado de Matos, Vila Cova da Lixa 4615 - 658 Lixa, Portugal.
41° 19' 37.8" N | 08° 09' 02.8" W
+ 351 255 490 590 | info@quintadalixa.pt |  Website

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Quinta da Aveleda

Quinta da Aveleda

At Quinta da Aveleda a dedicated team works tirelessly to create unique experiences for visitors. Quinta da Aveleda offers tailor-made visits to each guest, group or company. No standard impersonal packages, every visitor, every request has different needs and objectives. Their specialised team is dedicated to excellency in wine tourism and makes sure all visits are personalised and unforgettable.

High Season, Daily: 10h00, 11h30, 15h00 & 16h30
Low Season, Monday – Saturday: 10h00, 11h30, 14h30 & 16h00, Sunday: CLOSED
2 Rua da Aveleda, 4560 - 570 Penafiel, Portugal.
42º 12' 19.0" N | 08º 17' 20.9" W
+351255 718 242 | noturismo@aveleda.pt |  Website

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Quinta de Soalheiro

Quinta de Soalheiro

A complete experience and enjoyable insight into how this emblematic wine is produced. The guide will share Quinta de Soalheiro's passion and dedication to their wines. Great panoramic views over the Minho river valley, learn the importance of the Alvarinho grape and enjoy tasting Soalheiro's wines.



Monday - Friday: 09h30 - 18h30, Weekends: 09h30 - 13h30/14h30 - 18h30
Quinta do Soalheiro Alvaredo, 4960-010 Alvaredo. Portugal.
42° 05' 39.0" N | 08° 18' 06.7" W
+351 251 416 769 | enoturismo@soalheiro.com |  Website

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