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Vinho Verde, one of the freshest DOCs

22/01/2020 Production area

You might think we are talking about green-coloured wine, but Vinho Verde is actually a Controlled Denomination of Origin in northwestern Portugal known for its young, fresh and pungent acidic wines.

It is likely you have heard of Vinho Verde on various occasions. But do you really know what it is? Contrary to what you might think, Vinho Verde is not about a type of grape, or a wine colour. There is much more to these aromatic, light, fresh and low-alcohol wines.

vinho verde

7 characteristics of Vinho Verde

1- Made in Portugal

Vinho Verde, translated as green wine, is the name of a Controlled Designation of Origin that was created in 1984 to classify Portuguese wines that are produced along the entire Costa Verde, specifically, in the area between the Valley of Cambra and the Miño river, in the northwest of the country. This is a wine region dominated by the Atlantic that, because of both the climate and the geographical characteristics, is perfect for producing white, rosé, red, sparkling and even distilled wines. However, this DOC is mostly famous for its white wine which is dry, lively and young.

2- Atlantic freshness 

If the DOC Vinho Verde wines are known for something, it is their high acidity, an essential ingredient to achieving the freshness and lightness that is so typical of these Portuguese wines. Another thing is the taste, which is determined by the grape variety that is used to make it. Whites are usually made with Alvarinho, Loureiro, Arinto, Trajadura, Avesso and Azal. Reds are usually made with Binhao, Borraçal and Amaral and rosés are most often made with the Espadeiro and Padeiro native varieties. These are all local varieties that, thanks to the Atlantic climate, have a good balance between acidity and sugar for vinification.

3- A touch of sparkle

Another characteristic of the wines from this Portuguese denomination is the presence of carbon. Some producers make the wine through malolactic fermentation in the bottle itself. As a consequence, a natural carbonic gas is emitted that gives the wine a sparkling touch, which is why is it bottled into dark or opaque bottles to avoid showing its cloudy appearance. However, not all producers in this denomination follow this practice, only those who want the wine to have a sharp touch.

4- Young but mature

At this point, we hope it is clear that Vinho Verde is not a grape variety, nor does it refer to the colour of the wine. The origin of the name is actually quite controversial. Some think the name comes from the area’s lush vegetation, others think it describes the recommendation to drink this type of young and fresh wine. Finally, there are those who think that Vinho Verde refers to its short aging. However, this does not mean the grapes are unripe, just that, unlike other denominations that allow the berry to overripe to obtain the maximum sugar, the DOC Vinho Verde producers harvest at just the right time. 

5- Low alcohol

The Atlantic climate, characterised by its mild temperatures, is perfect for making a wine that has good acidity as well as a low alcohol content. This characteristic makes it an easy-to-drink wine that is perfect for drinking cold, especially on hot days. However, not all wines from this Portuguese region have the same percentage, it all depends on the variety and the subregion they come from. While white wines usually range between 8.5 and 11% alcohol volume, there are reds and rosés with a higher alcohol content of between 11 and 14%. 

6- Good value for money

The DOC Vinho Verde is divided into different sub-regions: Amarante, Ave, Baião, Basto, Cávado, Lima, Monção, Paiva and Sousa, and the wines are great value for money. And that is where its success comes from. There are currently 22,000 winemakers working around 21,000 hectares of vineyards to produce more than 85 million litres per year. And they are not just enjoyed by the Portuguese. The unique qualities of this type of wine have not gone unnoticed around the world because they are perfect for those who prefer wines with a low alcohol content and that are not too expensive. And that is probably why, after port, it is Portugal’s most exported wine.

7- To go with snacks and much more

Young, sharp and very refreshing, Vinho Verde wines are the perfect accompaniment for all kinds of snacks. Also, having a low percentage and fewer calories, they go with any light foods like salads, tapas, vegetarian dishes, seafood, sushi or white meat. However, being an easy to drink wine does not mean it is uninteresting. After a light sip, layers of minerality appear from the region’s granitic soils. In conclusion, it is an extremely versatile wine that is perfect for modern life. 

Now that you know a little more about the Vinho Verde Controlled Designation of Origin and its wines, take a look around Decántalo and choose the ones you like most. We are sure you will love them…

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