Welcome to Portugal’s most aromatic wine region – Vinho Verde. Vinho Verde is a place where wines are sculpted amongst the truest form of nature. Surrounding bio-diversity inspires wines to have unforgettable and fragrant aromas that are balanced with freshness and elegance. Wines from the Vinho Verde wine region have character and personality unlike anywhere else in the world. Portugal’s Vinho Verde wines are made for the wine curious and those seeking true adventure in their travels and in their wine glass.
Rich Wine Culture
The region of Vinho Verde is filled with history and fascinating food and wine culture. Wine artifacts that are over 2,000 years old have been found and prove that this wine region was alive and well in as early as 100 AD. Gourmet experiences and wonderful wines await in Porto, the closest city and in the Vinho Verde region. You can stay directly in Porto while you visit and travel through Vinho Verde or you can choose to stay in wine country at boutique hotels like at Solar Egas Moniz.
Sustainable Grape Growing
Incorporating an entire ecosystem with flourishing bio-diversity, Vinho Verde has a very unique microclimate. Located in northwest Portugal from seaside to inland, the region is influenced by the sea, and the climate is described as a temperate Atlantic with a continental influence. With cold and rainy winters and dry, hot summers, this region is a true mecca for grape growing. With a long history and rich culture, Vinho Verde winegrowers are sustainable and focused on tradition to keep the land rich and fertile for generations to come. They grow Indigenous grapes that are exciting for those of us who are ‘wine curious’ and crave adventure in our wine tastings and experiences. The region is filled with budding flora and fauna all year round and aromatic flowers and plants work collectively with mother nature to design a truly sensual experience that you can experience in person and in the glass. This incredibly extraordinary place has an incredible symmetry with the land, the sea and nature which enables winemakers to produce truly unique wines.
Shades of Green
The word ‘verde’ means green, and grapevines grow amongst the many shades of green landscapes that surround the region. Loureiro and Alvarinho are the most common grapes used in white wines. You can also find blends with grapes such as Arinto, Trajadura, Avesso and Azal that are original, versatile and diverse in their taste profile. From young, light and fresh to sophisticated and complex, the wines from the Vinho Verde region are grown between mountains and rivers surrounding by forests, gardens, trees and water.
Quinta da Aveleda
The most awarded Vinho Verde wines in the world are made at Quinta da Aveleda. It is at this historical estate and winery where winemakers are dedicated to mastering the art of exceptional white winemaking. Five generations have focused on the small details that craft great wines which are enjoyed and appreciated by wine lovers around the globe. Wines from Quinta da Aveleda are made in harmony with the nature and by talented winemakers who want to bring out the best from the region.
Head to Quinta da Aveleda for a day you won’t forget. Spend the day walking around the botanical gardens at the estate, admiring the romantic architecture, and wandering through the lush endless vineyards and gorgeously designed garden walkways. Take an estate tour alongside peacocks, walk through an enchanted cottage and/or take a picnic amongst the flowers. Spend some time tasting and learning about the wines in the tasting room, after you’ve been awakened by the aromas and biodiversity around the Quinta. I promise you, you’ll never find another memory or place like it in the world.
Exceptional Wines
The terroir and soils of the area are also quite unique. Combined with the exuberant, colourful and delightful aroma’s of nature that surrounds the vines, as well as the people and the region, the soil also has a large impact on the region and its wines. The partnership of both above the ground and below it are what crafts truly exceptional world-class wines. From the seaside to inland, the region is mostly granitic rock with a few areas with schist. Divided into nine regions the region is filled with discovery and wines are worth tasting and sharing while learning about the historic geology.
Many of the young and fresh wines such as Aveleda Fonte Vinho Verde are lower in alcohol (9.5% ABV) so they make great lunch pairings with green salads and even green curry. With notes white flower, green citrus, and even key lime pie, these wines are approachable, easy going and perfect summer sipper. The region also makes rosé such as Aveleda Fonte Vinho Verde Rosé. Offering notes of fresh strawberry, pink peonies and creamy raspberry this rosé is elegant and undeniably delicious! Premium examples such as the Quinta da Aveleda Vinho Verde which is made with the Loureiro and Alvarinho grapes bring sophistication and refinement to your glass. With gorgeous aromas of jasmine and stone fruit, these wines will remind you of walking into a blooming spring garden on a sunny day. Balanced with fresh acidity all of these wines offer versatility for food pairings. If you’re a lover of Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling, these wines are right up your alley to discover and enjoy. Not to mention, you can also put the premium bottles in your cellar to age gracefully.
