Vinho Verde is a wine originating from Portugal's northwest region of Minho. It's a light, refreshing wine perfect for sipping on a warm summer day.
The History of Vinho Verde
Vinho Verde has been produced in the Minho region of Portugal for centuries. The wine was first mentioned in historical documents dating back to the 11th century, but it wasn't until the 17th century that it began to gain popularity beyond the region.
In the early days, Vinho Verde was known as "vinho novo," which translates to "new wine," because it was often consumed shortly after fermentation. The wine was traditionally made using the Alvarinho and Loureiro grape varieties, which are still commonly used in production today. At Gema Wines, we produce wine from the Alvarinho grape variety.
Today, Vinho Verde is protected under Portugal's Denominação de Origem Controlada (DOC) system, which ensures that the wine is made according to strict production guidelines. Monção & Melgaço, the birthplace of Alvarinho, due to its exclusivity, is a protected sub-region of Vinho Verde
The Characteristics of Vinho Verde
Vinho Verde is a light, crisp wine known for its slightly effervescent quality, resulting from the carbon dioxide produced during fermentation. The wine is often slightly sweet, with flavours of citrus, green apple, and tropical fruit.
Several grape varieties can be used in the production of Vinho Verde, including Alvarinho, Loureiro, Trajadura, and Arinto. However, Alvarinho is known for producing wines with more body and complexity, while Loureiro tends to produce lighter and more aromatic wines.
Alvarinho, a Star Grape that Elevates the Vinho Verde Region.
Vinho Verde wines, produced from Alvarinho grapes, have historically been rated as the best wines crafted in the north of the Iberian Peninsula, where its vibrant aromas and together with its complexity of flavours brings these wines to a higher level, making them especially appreciated by sommeliers and wine lovers as they provide ideal combinations to a variety of seafood, white meat, cheese, where a good combination between acidity, sweetness and tannins elevate our senses.
Food Pairings
Vinho Verde is a versatile wine that pairs well with various foods. Its light, refreshing nature makes it a great match for seafood, particularly shellfish and grilled fish. It also pairs well with salads, pasta dishes, and light appetizers.
When it comes to cheese pairings, Vinho Verde works well with young, soft cheeses like goat cheese, feta, and brie.
The Right Choice
If you're looking for a light, refreshing wine to sip on a warm summer day, Vinho Verde is definitely worth trying; with its quality and flavours of citrus and tropical fruit, it's a wine that's sure to please.
It’s a wine that you can enjoy with a variety of dishes. So next time you're in the mood for a crisp, refreshing wine, consider giving Gema Wines’ Vinho Verde a try.