Country: Portugal Region: Vinho Verde Province Grapes: Estate Grown Loureiro, Arinto
Vinho Verde is a Portuguese wine that originated in the historic Minho Province in the far north of the country. The modern-day “Vinho Verde” Region, originally designated in 1908, includes the old Minho Province, plus adjacent areas to the south. Vinho Verde is not a grape varietal, but a name that literally means “green wine” or “young wine,” as opposed to “mature wine.” It may be red, white or rosé, and it is meant to be consumed young.
The region is characterized by its many small growers, many who train their vines to grow high off the ground. They use trees, fences, poles, and all other upright frames as trellises. This enables them to cultivate vegetable crops below the vines, thus providing their families with food sources.
Quinta do Homem is a 62-acre Estate in the heart of the Vinho Verde region. The winery produces 100% estate-bottled wines, a rarity in the region. Their selection is from a recipe using 70% Loureiro and 30% Arinto, all estate-grown. It glows clear greenish with lemon hues in the glass. Exceptionally aromatic with floral and fruity aromas, on the palate it is very fresh and elegant with a well-balanced acidity. Enjoy it now, chilled, with soups, salads, hors d’ oeuvres, fish or shellfish.
Vale Do Homem Vinho Verde DOC: LOUREIRO GRAPES — “Loureiro” means “laurel” or “bay.” Its wines are refreshing, with well-balanced acidity. Recently recognized as “noble,”” it is often paired with Arinto or Alvarinho, as in this selection from Vale Do Homem.
ARINTO GRAPES — One of Portugal’s excellent white grapes, it makes for a crisp wine that ages very well. Arinto grapes showcase the areas from which they are grown. For instance, Arinto from the Bucelas region boasts a lemon flavor.
