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Vinho Verde
A unique Portuguese wine style that is also the name of the demarcated region that occupies all of northwest Portugal. In general, the DO region, which is the largest quality wine zone in Europe, is damp and misty, and the low fertility soils are sandy and granitic. However, there is also quite a bit of geographic diversity. For instance, the area around Moncão and Melgaço, the hilly sub-region bordering Spain’s province of Galicia to the north, many of the wines show fuller body and higher alcohol. This is the only zone where Alvarinho is authorized and the wines produced from this fashionable varietal here bear a striking resemblance to the Rias Baixas wines made across the Spanish border. The area around Penafiel produces wines of finesse and perfume, lighter in body but also outstanding. Vineyard holdings in Vinho Verde tend to be small, with an average plot less than 2 acres in size. As might be expected there are many variations in Vinho Verde styles based upon the vinification techniques as well as the soil and climate variations. Typical grape varietals in this region include Alvarinho, Trajadura, and Loureiro.
Wineries in this region:
Casa de Vila Verde
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