Masterclass by Dirceu Vianna Jr, MW on vinho verde, which is a region, not a single style like many believe. The area was demarcated in 1908.Associated with fresh light summer wine but there is much more than that.
Fit contemporary trend to lighter lower alcohol wines.
Largest wine export from Portugal, more than port.
Granite soil mostly but diversity. Mostly between Minho and South of the Douro rivers. About 120km x 90km.
Atlantic and Mediterranean climate influence. Mild temperature, 1200mm/yr average rainfall.
Over 17,200 hectares, mostly planting in small parcels, 1400+ producers make almost 100 million liters of wine. Over 45 varieties for vinho verde, 80% white 20% red.
Varieties cultivated
Loureiro 47m Sq meters
Alvarinho 25
Arinto 24
Vinhao 18
Exports are mainly to the US (31%), Germany (18%), Brazil (19%), Poland (14%).
Below are my tasting notes:
1. Quinta de Azevedo
Property from XII century.
Loureiro 2023
Intense floral and herbal aromas Zesty fresh,passion fruit notes
Rrp £21
Score 89
2. Casa de Pacos
Loureiro 2018
Intense floral aromas, moderately fresh, well balanced by smooth honey notes.
Rrp £21
Score 92
3. A&D wines
Esculpido vinhas velhas Avesso 2022
Avesso 100%
Perfect balance and good length,
Rrp £28
Score 93
4. Casal de Ventozela
Prime selection 2023
Alvarinho 55%,Avesso 25%,Loureiro 20%
Wines blended from different years, bottled in 2023.
Perfect balance, creamy vanilla, long. Surprisingly evolved so young thanks to old French osk.
Rrp £65
Score 94
5. Soalheiro primeras vinhas 2023
Alvarinho
Freshness prevails but still good balance and length
Rrp £26
Score 91
6. Anselmo Mendes
Muros antigos 2015
Alvarinho
Fully evolved
Rrp 14
Score 93
7. Falua Barão do Hospital
Espumante 2020
Padeiro
Sparkling rosé
Easy drinking, moderate bubbles
Rrp 30
Score 85
8. Quinta de Tamariz
Rosé vinha do Jardin 2023
Touriga Nacional
Medium freshness and length.
Rrp £17
Score 88
9. Costantino Ramos
Zafirah 2019
Alvarelhão Borraçal, pedral, vinhão
Soft extraction , light oak, elegant texture
Rrp £23
Score 89
10.Aphros
Vinhão 2022
Light, slightly rough, rustic, mod length.
Rrp £20
Score 85
11. Quinta de Santa Cristina
Arinto Espumante 2018
Arinto 100%
Traditional method, fragrant balanced
Rrp £20
Score 88
12. Provam Côto de Mamoelas
Assemblage 2017,18,19
Alvarinho
Traditional method, balanced
Rrp£17
score 87
