The Best Grapes of the Vinho Verde Region

Since the 13th century, Portuguese winemaking has flourished in the beautiful Vinho Verde region. With its perfect combination of soil, weather, and numerous microclimates, the region is renowned for its white wines, particularly the Vinho Verde (‘green wine’), which has become a favorite worldwide. Although there are other varieties of Vinho Verde, the most popular are those made from the native grapes of the region.

How the Vinho Verde Region Gives the Grapes Distinct Characteristics

The Vinho Verde appellation covers parts of the Minho region in northern Portugal. Located close to the Atlantic Coast, the climate has temperate Atlantic influences with light rainfall and hot summers. This makes the region unique and ideal for growing grapes.

The region's soil is also unique, consisting of slate and quartz. This gives the climate a unique mineral quality, which is absorbed by the grapes and makes the Vinho Verde wines unique in their own right.

The trellising system in Vinho Verde is also historically unique, showing how much care has gone into cultivating the grapes over centuries. The region is known for planting vines on high trellises, which allow the grapes to get an extra boost of sun and better exposure to the wind. This helps the grapes ripen to perfection and adds to the complexity of the wines.

The Varieties and Characteristics of Grapes in the Vinho Verde Region

There are eight approved grapes for wines produced in the Vinho Verde region. Each of these grapes contributes to the unique characteristics of Vinho Verde wines.

Alvarinho

The most popular grape in the region, Alvarinho, is known for producing dry, medium-bodied wines with a distinct acidity. The wine usually has floral aromas such as peach, apricot, and pear, balanced nicely by the zesty lemon and grapefruit taste. Alvarinho wines are known for their crisp and refreshing finish that lingers on the tongue.

Loureira

This grape is known for producing wines that are light in body and have citrus aromas and flavors. It is often used to make sparkling wines and is known for having a refreshing, lemony, and lime-like flavor.

Arinto

Arinto is a grape variety that produces off-dry and dry white wines. It has unique tropical aromas and flavors of pineapple and melon. The finish of Arinto wines has a notable minerality and is known for its slightly creamy texture.

Trajadura

Trajadura is a unique variety that makes complex white wines with abundant flavors. The wine has complex aromas of tropical and stone fruits, honey, and vanilla. The unique minerality of the wine is complimented by its slightly herbal and floral notes.

Azal

Azal is a lesser-known variety but is still widely used in Vinho Verde wines. Azal grapes make light and refreshing wines with green fruit and herbal aromas. On the palate, the wine has a crisp, mineral taste with flavors of grapefruit and lemon.

Avesso

The Avesso grape is a reliable variety that produces dry white wines. The aromas of the wine are floral, with notes of quince and apricot. The wine also has a subtle nuttiness and a mineral finish.

Bical

Bical is a flavorful grape variety that produces medium-bodied white wines. The wine has tropical aromas of pineapple and melon and a subtle herbal note. The wine is known for its crisp acidity and mineral finish on the palate.

Maria Gomes

The Maria Gomes grape is known for producing off-dry sparkling wines. The aroma of the wine has a unique floral character, with notes of honey and apricot. On the palate, the wine has a pleasant acidity and mineral finish.

Vinho Verde: A Refreshing and Delicious Wine

These eight grapes are vital in producing the unique and complex wines of the Vinho Verde region. The unique characteristics of each of the grapes help create a unique flavor profile in Vinho Verde wines.

These wines have become increasingly popular worldwide and offer an excellent representation of the terroir and wines of Portugal. Whether looking for a refreshing and dry wine or a more complex off-dry sparkling, the Vinho Verde region has something for everyone. Try a bottle today, and you’ll soon see why these wines are so famous.