Vinho Verde: A Hot Day’s Dream
Vinho Verde is an ancient wine region in Northern Portugal that was already producing wine when the Romans arrived around 2,000 years ago! This lush region of rolling green hills is Portugal's largest wine denomination. White, rosé, and red wines are produced here from Portuguese varietals, but it is the white wines that express bright citrusy notes and often have a slight effervescence. Historically the effervescence was a result of the continuation of fermentation in the bottle. The release of carbon dioxide was then trapped in the bottle and produced a slight fizz in the wine. Nowadays, it is more a choice by the winemaker, and often added to still wine. Not all Vinho Verde has this light spritz. In fact, many are moving toward age-able single varietal wines of great distinction. The main white grape varieties are Alvarinho, Arinto (locally known as Perdenã), Avesso, Azal, Loueiro, and Trajadura, while the red varieties are Borracal, Brancehlo, Espadeiro, and Vinhão. The name Vinho Verde, translated as "green wine", has several local associations. It refers to the early harvesting of grapes for this wine, and to the ability and intent to drink this wine young. It refers to the long, skinny green bottle it often comes in. But most people now agree it originates from the lush green environment of the region itself. Join us next week for Vinho Verde Week at Vintage, where we feature 3 unique expressions, a sparkling, a white, and a rosé from this amazing wine spot! Cheers!