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8 Things to Love About Vinho Verde
According the Waverly Inn’s Wine Director
When the average wine drinker thinks of Portugal’s Vinho Verde wine region, they perhaps imagine lush green landscapes and crisp, refreshing summertime wine. But the region is so much more than that. After a recent visit, I’m convinced it produces some of the most underrated wines in the world.
I’m generally a white wine lover, chasing bright and fresh wines when I’m not at work. Vinho Verde, which earned its Designation of Origin in 1908, produces excellent examples of these. Their zippy character is thanks in large part to the area’s unique terroir, plus a geography that includes the Atlantic coast in the west and mountain ranges to the east and south.
The wines produced here are varied and unique, but generally fall into one of two categories: the classic style, which is light and bright, and more structured offerings, often made from a single grape including local varietals Alvarinho, Avesso, Loureiro, Azal and Arinto.
There’s plenty more to love about Vinho Verde. Here’s why the region’s wines deserve a spot in your wine fridge.
1. There’s no other wine like it.
I’d bet that even an amateur could pinpoint a Vinho Verde bottling in a blind tasting. These wines from northwest Portugal are truly unique, a result of the natural characteristics of the Vinho Verde Demarcated Region.
2. It presents a great learning opportunity.
The basics of this region are easy to remember but dive deeper and there’s much more to learn. Vinho Verde boasts nine sub-regions, multiple microclimates, 45 native grape varieties, and various terroirs, all of which produce subtle variations in the wine.
3. The region’s terroir is easy to see—literally.
Speaking of terroir, granite soils contribute to the wine’s bright flavors. These very stones are used in much of the region’s architecture, allowing for a visual representation of the local terroir. It’s not often you can see terroir so easily!
4. The two main styles suit different moods.
There’s the classic style, which is fresh and makes for easy drinking. It’s perfect for summer, and what I associated with Vinho Verde before I visited. But there are also the richer single-varietal wines, which are more complex and suited for a wider range of food pairings. I’ve come to appreciate these more since traveling to this gorgeous region.
5. It pairs beautifully with food.
These wines are a match for seafood, which if you’re visiting are often netted from Vinho Verde’s own shores. Light and citrus-forward fish dishes complement the classic style, while the more intense and deep flavors of slow-cooked or grilled fish suit more structured offerings. The latter retains the ripeness, freshness, and buoyancy of the classic wine, but have layers of richness and vibrance that make them age-able.
6. It’s not just for summertime.
Although I love to pair elegant and aromatic Vinho Verde wines with vegetable dishes in the spring and summer, these bottlings make for great year-round pairings. Certainly, there’s nothing like sitting by the fire eating slow-cooked meats or ham and white bean stew with a luxurious white Alvarinho Reserva or Avesso. The wine brightens up the meal, just like a vinegar glaze, coleslaw or fresh herbs brighten and refresh the palate.
7. The region is home to fascinating viticulture practices.
While most are conducted in modern training systems, some of the area’s vines can still be found on traditional trellis systems called enforcado, which create a canopy-like vineyard. Because the land is so fertile and agriculture so dense, the vines are allowed to grow over trees and hedges. The practice prevents vine rot while maximizing sun exposure.
8. The wines reflect a beautiful culture.
I can’t end without saying that as much as I loved the wines, my favorite part of visiting Portugal was the people. Friendly and open, most everyone was happy to see us and share their culture with us. Each time I drink Vinho Verde, I get a little flashback to the welcoming and vibrant place from which they come.
