New Vinho Verde Styles to Explore

Vinho Verde is a light, crisp white wine made in the Minho province of Portugal. It is a refreshing beverage perfect for summer sipping and sharing with friends. New vinho verde styles have emerged to appeal to modern tastes, giving old-time vinho verde fans and newcomers something fresh and exciting to try. Here are some of the new vinho verde styles to explore:

Traditional Vinho Verde

The traditional vinho verde style is characterized by its light, crisp taste, and low alcohol content. It comprises a blend of grapes, usually featuring a combination of Alvarinho, Loureiro, Trajadura, and Arinto grapes. The lightness and acidity of the wine make it easy to drink without overwhelming the senses. The traditional style is popular in Portugal and perfect for sipping on hot summer days.

Carbonated Vinho Verde

As the traditional style has enjoyed much success, more modern variations have cropped up in response to the demand for something different. One of these modern vinho verde styles is the carbonated, or sparkling, vinho verde. These wines use the same grapes as traditional vinho verde, but they are more bubbly and effervescent. The result is a highly refreshing and quaffable wine, perfect for pairing with light dishes or just sipping on its own.

Rosé Vinho Verde

Another attractive new vinho verde style is rosé. This particular style is made using the same grapes as traditional vinho verde, but the winemaker adds and blends them to give the wine a blush hue and richer flavor. The other grapes can vary from winemaker to winemaker, but they often include red grape varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Alfrocheiro, Tinta Roriz, and others. This blending results in a juicy and flavorful wine that is fresher and more approachable than some of the more tannic red wines.

Aged Vinho Verde

Finally, one of the most exciting developments in the vinho verde world is the emergence of aged vinho verde styles. This particular variation uses the same traditional grapes, but the wines are aged in a combination of oak and steel barrels for at least 18 months. During this time, the wines gain complexity, body, and structure, making them far more exciting and dynamic than traditional styles. The result is a richer, more complex wine with a great deal to offer both new and experienced wine drinkers.

Where to Find New Vinho Verde Styles

If you're looking to try some of the new vinho verde styles on the market, many great options are available. You may be able to find some of these wines at your local shop, but for the most comprehensive selection, you'll want to look online. Retailers like Le Du Vin and Wine.com offer excellent collections of vinho verde, including traditional, carbonated, rosé, and aged variations. The selection is constantly growing, so be sure to check out their websites and keep an eye out for new offerings.

New Vinho Verde styles offer something for everyone. From traditional Vinho Verde and its light, crisp flavor to the more complex and robust aged styles, there are many exciting bottles to choose from. Whether you're new to this refreshing and approachable Portuguese white or an experienced vinho verde drinker, you won't be disappointed by the wide selection of styles available today.