Vinho Verde: This Portuguese Wine is a Hit

By
Ian M
-

Have you ever heard of a wine varietal known as “vinho verde” before?

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Quinta Edmun do Val Reserva Alvarinho 2011 – degustação na íntegra ali no link da bio 👆👆👆 • • A primeira vez que provamos este vinho verde foi a quase 1 ano atrás, lá na Quinta Edmun do Val, um dos passeios enoturísticos mais divertidos já fizemos! Estávamos planejando com muito cuidado quando e como iríamos beber esse exemplar. Isso por várias razões: 1) era um dos últimos vinhos verdes que sobraram da nossa viagem a Portugal; 2) era o último exemplar dessa quinta, o que era de partir o coração; e 3) embora a memória não estivesse 100% no dia em que o compramos, sabíamos que ele era um vinho verde bem diferente de outros da região, muito mais complexo e suculento. Harmonizá-lo seria uma arte. Depois de um longo suspiro: pronto! Decidimos os pratos, a ocasião e partimos para a degustação. • • #vitrinedosvinhos #blogdavitrine @edmundoval1790 @vinhoverdewines #alvarinho #vinhoverde #vinhosverdes #edmundoval #degustacaodevinhos #instawine #instavinho

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This type of lighter wine originates from northern Portugal, and it is on fire lately and gaining popularity as a delicious option. Although it was largely unknown outside of its native Portugal for some time, it’s now becoming widely-known worldwide. Here’s why.

Grapes

Most of the grapes used to make the white vinho verdes are native to the region. They include Alvarinho, Loureiro, Arinto, Trajadura, Avesso, and Azal grapes. All are light white grapes that create a citrusy, straw-colored wine. Some wine-makers even make red vinho verde with other native grapes, although this is much less popular.

Wine-Making Process

“Vinho verde” literally means “green wine,” which refers to the little time that elapses between harvest and bottling. These grapes only spend 3-6 months fermenting to make the wine. This creates a low-alcohol wine, usually between 8-11% ABV, that also has some residual carbonation, giving it a refreshing body.

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Vinho verde wine is usually light and easy to drink. Its low alcohol content and slight fiziness make it a great option for sitting out on the porch on a hot day. Vinho verdes usually contain citrusy and grassy notes with a tropical aroma.

Be sure to check out this trending wine if you find it at your local grocer!