Vinho Verde: The Next Big Thing

For decades, wine drinkers have relied on the tried-and-true grape varietals of Italy, France, Australia, and New Zealand. But now, a new contender for the title of “next big thing” has come to town—vinho verde.

Vinho Verde translates to "green wine," and it comes from one of the oldest wine regions in Europe, just northwest of Portugal in the northwest region of the continent. Vinho Verde has been around for hundreds of years and has a distinct flavor that makes it stand out from other wines.

Unlike many other wines, vinho verde is not aged and rests in barrel for just a few days. It is young, fresh, and often made in a refreshingly light and fruity style. Its lightness and fruity notes make it the perfect summer sipper. With its zingy flavor, it’s no surprise that vinho verde is quickly becoming a favorite among wine drinkers all over the world.

So what sets vinho verde apart from the rest? Let’s take a closer look at this unique wine and explore why it’s becoming the “next big thing”.

What’s So Special About Vinho Verde?

Vinho verde is unique because of its freshness and lightness. As it is not aged in barrel, any that is produced has a youthful, fresh flavor. This makes it the ideal summer wine, as it pairs well with salads, fish, and other lighter dishes.

The grapes used to make vinho verde are unique and hard to find. The official grapes for vinho verde are alvarinho, arinto and Loureiro, all native to Portugal. These grapes have light skin and a tartness that pairs perfectly with the lightness of the wine.

The wine is known for its lightness, but it can also be a bit “spritzy” thanks to the naturally occurring CO2 in the wine. When poured into a glass, the bubbles tease the nose and the palate. This sparkling quality makes it a great choice as an aperitif.

Vinho verde is also unique because it comes in several different styles. The two main styles are white and rosé, but there are other uncontested styles such as sparkling, red, orange, and recently introduced varietals. The lightness of the wine can also vary by wine producer, so there is something for everyone.

Popular Vinho Verde Producers

Vinho verde comes from all different producers. Some producers are bigger and well-known, while others are smaller "garagiste" wineries with limited releases.

One of the most popular producers of vinho verde is Quinta de Furão in the Alto Minho region. This is one of the oldest and most prestigious producers of the wine. They specialize in white and rosé vinho verde, produced with local alvarinho grapes.

Quinta de Paços is another well-known producer of vinho verde. This winery is located in the Monção, Melgaço region, where some of the best vinho verde comes from. They specialize in blended varietals, including Loureiro and alvarinho, as well as sparkling white and red wines.

The Terras de Marçó winery in Vinho Verde is another popular producer. They specialize in white and rosé wines, as well as sparkling varietals. Their rosé is light and refreshing, while the white wines are a bit fuller bodied. They also produce organic wines that are made with natural winemaking techniques.

Trends in Vinho Verde

The trends in vinho verde have recently shifted to lighter and fresher wines as more producers are avoiding oaking and extended aging. This has resulted in wines that are cleaner and fruitier, appealing to a wide range of palates. Reds and oranges are also becoming more popular.

Another trend is to create single-varietal wines from the native grapes, an idea that started out of necessity. As the area doesn’t have a lot of land for vineyards, some producers had to focus on one variety in order to make the most of their acreage.

Finally, vinho verde is can also be found in the form of canned wines. Producers are now putting their vinho verde in cans for easy transport and convenience, making it an ideal summer wine.

The Health Benefits of Vinho Verde

Vinho verde is often seen as a light and casual wine, but surprisingly, it has health benefits as well. The grapes used to make vinho verde are high in antioxidants, which help prevent cell damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. They are also a good source of potassium, zinc, and vitamin C, which are essential for overall health.

Being low in alcohol, vinho verde is also much lighter and more refreshing than many other wines with higher alcohol content. This makes it a great option for those who are looking for a healthier style of drinking.