Vinhos Verdes Masterclass

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