Regions

VINHO VERDE

The region’s exuberant vegetation – typical of a high humidity region – imparts a green tone to it; however, the name Vinhos Verdes (1direct translation: green wines) owes its origin not only to the surrounding environment, but also to the type of wine produced in this region, which is typically acidulous, light, fairly alcoholic and has good digestive properties.

Vinhos Verdes, the largest wine region in Portugal, is located in the north west of the country, coinciding with the region called Entre Douro e Minho (which is not a wine region). Bordered by the river Minho at north and by the Atlantic Ocean at west, the region has many hydrographic resources. The interior is made up of mountain ranges, the highest of which is the 1373 metre high Peneda.

The region’s soils are mainly granite and not very deep. They have high acidity and low level of phosphorus, resulting in a relatively low fertility. Throughout the centuries, however, the construction of terraces and the use of natural fertilisers have made them soils more fertile.

As the region’s climate is influenced by sea breezes from the Atlantic Ocean, temperatures are mild throughout the year. Precipitation is high in this region, so don’t be surprised if it rains for several days in the summer (which explains the high level of atmospheric moisture).

The white varieties most used in the production of the region’s wine are: Alvarinho, Loureiro, Trajadura, Avesso, Arinto (also known as Pedernã) and Azal.