Vinho Verde
Vinho Verde (Portuguese: [ˈviɲu ˈveɾðɨ], meaning "green wine") is a distinctive Portuguese wine style produced in the Minho region of north-west Portugal. The term refers not to the colour of the wine but to its youth and freshness, traditionally bottled and consumed early. Vinho Verde is recognised under its own Denominação de Origem Controlada (DOC), making it one of Portugal’s most prominent wine regions.[1]
Background
Viticulture in the Minho dates back to Roman times, with medieval monasteries playing an important role in establishing vineyard culture. The official DOC for Vinho Verde was created in 1908, making it one of Portugal’s oldest demarcated wine areas.[2] Historically, vines were often trained high on pergolas or trees, a method designed to free up land for other crops. Modern viticulture has largely shifted to more controlled trellising systems, allowing better ripening and vineyard management.[3]
Geography and Climate
The Vinho Verde DOC covers the Minho province, stretching from the Spanish border to the Atlantic Ocean. The climate is strongly maritime, with high rainfall, moderate sunshine and relatively cool growing conditions. Soils are predominantly granitic, with pockets of schist, contributing to freshness and minerality in the wines.[4] Sub-regions include Monção e Melgaço, renowned for Alvarinho, and Lima, known for Loureiro.
Grape Varieties
White wines dominate production, made from a range of local grapes:
- Alvarinho– prized for aromatic intensity and ageing potential, particularly in Monção e Melgaço.
- Loureiro – widely planted, producing floral and citrus-driven wines.
- Arinto, Trajadura, and Avesso – used for blending, contributing freshness, weight or aromatics.[5]
Red and rosé Vinho Verde also exist, made from grapes such as Vinhão (notable for its deep colour and acidity) and Espadeiro, though these are less common outside Portugal.[6]
Wine Styles and Characteristics
Vinho Verde is traditionally light-bodied, with modest alcohol (8.5–11.5%), high acidity, and a characteristic spritz, once derived from malolactic fermentation but today often added as carbonation. The wines are usually pale in colour, aromatic, and marked by flavours of green apple, citrus, and herbs.[7]
Modern examples include more structured, varietal bottlings, particularly of Alvarinho, some capable of ageing for a decade or more. Sparkling Vinho Verde has also been developed under DOC regulations.
Role in Winemaking and Market
Vinho Verde is one of Portugal’s most exported wines, valued internationally for its freshness and affordability. While traditionally seen as a simple summer wine, investment and innovation since the late 20th century have raised its profile, with serious producers highlighting the diversity of sub-regions and grapes.[8] Domestic consumption remains strong, and the region plays a central role in Portugal’s wine identity.
See also
References
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015.
- ↑ Martins, Vinho Verde: História e tradição, Editorial Presença, 2008. (Portuguese original)
- ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 8th ed., 2019.
- ↑ Stevenson, The Sotheby’s Wine Encyclopedia, DK, 2011.
- ↑ Comissão de Viticultura da Região dos Vinhos Verdes (CVRVV), vinhoverde.pt. (Portuguese original)
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, 2015.
- ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 2019.
- ↑ Stevenson, The Sotheby’s Wine Encyclopedia, 2011.